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INDIAN MAP OF GLASTENBURY. 



GLASTENBURY 



TWO HUNDRED YEARS 



CENTENNIAL DISCOURSE, 

MAY 18th, a. D. 1853. 

WITH AN APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING 

HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL PAPERS OF INTEREST. 



By Eev. ALONZO B. CHAPIN, D. D., 

Rector of St Luke's Church, South Glastenbuvy ; Hon. Mem. K. I. Hist^Soc ; Hon. Mem. 
Rector St. L ^_^^ ^^^ ^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^.^^ ^^^ _ corresponding Sec. Phdolog. 

Soc. ; Mem. Conn. Acad. Arts and Science, etc., etc. 



Fulo-or Apostolicus Glastoniam ii-radiat. 

° Venatius Fortunatus. 

An Apostolical splendor irradiates Glastonbury. 



HARTFORD: 

PRESS OF CASE, TIFFANY AND COMPANY. 
1853. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year lSo3, by 

JOHN A. HALE, Chaieman, 
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut. 



\ 
'^-\- 



^f/ 



PREFATORY NOTE 



In the preparation of a history like the present, the general, mus 
of necessity take precedence of the particular. At the same time 
the more of personal and particular history that can be combined 
with the general, the more immediately and permanently interesting 
will it be to individuals. The author has endeavoured, therefore, so 
to digest and arrange the materials before him, that the Town, its 
lands, its people and their occupations, should each receive a due 
share of attention. It would have given him pleasure to have been 
able to have enlarged the genealogical portion of his work, but this he 
could not do without extending it beyond the size deemed suitable 
for such a record. "What he has given under this head, out of the 
abundance of the materials collected by himself, or kindly furnished 
by friends, will enable many of those who wish, to trace their ances- 
try, and to do it with much more readiness and ease than before. 
He trusts, too, that what he has given in regard to the ownership 
and division of lands, will not be without its interest and value to those 
who desire to trace the titles to their estates. And finally and chief- 
ly, he hopes and prays that the history of the Fathers will operate as 
an incentive to the sons, to induce them to put forth still greater 
exertions in the cause for which our ancestors toiled, and suffered, 
and bled ; that religion and learning, the two corner-stones of the 
State, laid by our fathers, may arise and shine, because their light is 
come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon them. 



COLLE CT. 



DiEECT US, Lord, in all our doings with thy 

MOST GRACIOUS FAVOUR, AND FURTHER US WITH THV 
CONTINUAL HELP, THAT IN ALL OUR WORKS BEGUN, 
CONTINUED AND ENDED IN ThEE, WE MAY GLORIFY 

Thy holy name ; and finally, by thy mercy obtain 

EVERLASTING LIFE THROUGH JeSUS ChRIST OUR LORD. 

Amen. 



GLASTENBTJRY. 



Ladies and Gentlemen; 

Sons and Citizens of Glastenbury: 

In obedience to the will of that community in which it 
has pleased om- heavenly Father to place me, I stand here, 
your representative, on this anniversary occasion. My duty, 
therefore, as the representative of the filial band I see about 
me, is, to recall the memory of the past, that we may the bet- 
ter understand the present — to remind you of the history of 
those men of fearless daring, heroic virtue and Christian prin- 
ciple, whom we are permitted to call our fathers — to trace the 
progress of those institutions which they founded, through 
the vicissitudes of two succeeding centuries^ — to mark the 
causes which have aided, retarded, accelerated or modified 
the development of those civil and religious principles that 
formed the life and soul of the State which they begun, that, 
knowing their principles and purposes, their sufferings and 
trials, their wants and wishes, we may the better understand 
the cost of the blessings which have descended to us, and 
may be induced thereby to make the greater sacrifices for 
their preservation. Thus, the memories of the fathers, em- 
balmed in the bosoms of the sons, will become at once, me- 
mentoes of the past and lessons for the present and the 
future. 

Less than three centuries ago, and the wild man of the 
wood shared the lovely and the fertile valley of the Connec- 
ticut, with the wild beast of the forest, undisturbed by the 



6 

footfall of the white man, unknowing and unknown to the 
civilized world. No sooner had the white man anchored his 
ship in the harbor, planted himself on the coast, reared a fort 
and mounted his gun, than the astonished natives cried out, 
Manittowock I — they are gods* and the fame thereof spread- 
ing throughout all the country roundabout, their alliance and 
protection were sought by all the weaker tribes. In 1631, 
Wahquinnacut, or Bear-of-long-river,f a sachem of some of 
the tribes near Hartford, made a journey to Plymouth and 
Boston, beseeching the governors of those colonies to com- 
mence a plantation on the Connecticut, promising them corn 
and beaver for their support. But though the authorities 
took no notice of the application, individuals were moved by 
the representations given of the exceeding fertility of the soil, 
to explore the country, and finally to begin a settlement.^ 
The precise date of this event has not been ascertained, but 
the settlers themselves have left it on record, that Wethers- 
field, of which Glastenbury was then a part, is the " most 
Auncient Towne of the Colony."§ The first settlement of 
Wethersfield, therefore, was probably commenced in 1634. 
The original purchase of the natives was six miles north and 
south, extending five miles west, and three miles east of Con- 
necticut river ; which was subsequently enlarged by an ad- 
ditional five miles to the eastward. No deed of the first pur- 
chase seems to have been given, and the following from the 
Colonial Records is all the record evidence we possess of that 
transaction. 

"At a court held at Watertown, [Wethersfield,] November first, 1G3G, [the 
following deposition was received and ordered to be recorded.] 



* R. W. 111. 

f So Dr. Biirratt, I. P. M. 2. It is compounded of Wah, a contraction of 
MuK-WAH, or M'qwah, a bear ; Gal. 341, Qunnek, or Quinnik, long, R. W. 
14G, Cot. 24, ruK, or took, water, river, M. R. I. 52, and ut, at, or on. Co.n- 
NEcricuT, therefore, is QuENEK-TUK-UT, or long river ; a name applied rather 
to the Indians than the river. 

t Def. I. 73, B. H. C. 124. Def. writes the name Waghjnacut, and Barb. 
Wauquimacut, but Barr. Wahqci.nnacut, which is undoubtedly nearest the 
truth. 

§ Col. Law, IGOO, 25. 



"Guilford, June 16, 1665. 
This is to certify, unto all whom it may concerne, that upon his certaine 
knowledge, by the advice of the Court, Wethersfeild mengaue so much unto 
Sowheag as was to his sattisfaction for all their plantations lyeing on both 
sides the great Riuer, w^^ the Islands, viz. six miles in bredth on both sides 
the Riuer, & six miles deep from the Riuer westward, and three miles deep 
from the Riuer eastward. 

Thus testifyeth George Hubbard. 

By me George Hubbard. 
Taken upon oath before me Willm Leete ; 

This is a true coppy of the originell being examined & compared therewith 
this 18 of May, 1667, p' me, 

John Allyn: Secrefy."* 

Character of the Country. 

The present town of Glastenbury is six miles north and 
south, and " eight large miles" east and west, as expressed in 
the purchase, which, according to modern admeasurement, 
extends nearly nine miles from the river. The territory em- 
braced within these limits, furnishes a greater variety of soil, 
and diversity of landscape, than can often be found within 
the same space. From "the Narrows" in the river, a short 
distance above the "Wonggum meadows, to the north line of 
the town, stretches a band of rich alluvion, of exceeding fer- 
tility, varying from half a mile to a mile in width, furnishing 
some of the richest and most delightful meadows in the 
world.f East of this, occurs an extensive tract of land, rest- 
ing on a substratum of red sandstone, presenting all the va- 
rieties of plain and rolling country, usually found in seconda- 
ry formations. The diluvial of this formation, toward the 
south part of the town, is piled up in a peculiar and very in- 
teresting manner, betokening some sudden and violent con- 
vulsion of nature, when the land received its present form 
and appearance. This region of secondary averages about a 
mile in width from the southern limit of the town, until it 



* T. C. R., I. 5. 

t Dr. Charles Daubney, LL. D., Prof, in the Univ. Oxford, England, after 
having visited the principal countries of Europe, and several in Asia, for pur- 
poses of geological observation, came to this country in 1837. In his account 
of his tour through the country, he pronounces the valley of the Connecticut 
one of the finest portions of country he has anywhere seen. 



8 

reaches Roaring Brook, when it expands rapidly to the east, 
becoming some four or five miles wide before reaching the 
north line of the town. The land within the limits of this 
territory is all easy of cultivation, and with proper attention 
to manuring, most of it productive. Some parts of it, how- 
ever, are suffering the consequences of having been overtaxed, 
and the drifting sand bank threatened, at one time, to over- 
run a very large area ; but the sudden and extensive spring- 
ing up of the jiitch pine, {Finns rig-ida,) after an absence of 
several generations, has arrested this enemy, and rendered the 
land itself valuable.* 

The remaining portion of the town belongs to the primi- 
tive formation, as geologists are accustomed to call it, and is 
composed mostly of stratified granite or gneiss, presenting 
more than the usual varieties of rock and hill, and variegated 
landscape, to be found in primitive regions of country. On 
the western border of this, there is a narrow strip of chloritic 
gneiss, dipping rapidly to the west, and traversed by large 
dykes and veins of unstratified granite. In many places this 
formation seems to have been upheaved by some immense 
power from beneath, and the materials composing the granite 
veins ^ have been injected, in a state of fusion, into all the 
cracks and crevices of the broken rocks. Various minerals, 
more curious than useful, occur in these beds and veins of 
granite, of which broad plates of mica, and large specimens 
of feldspar, are the most abundant. This region is worthy 
the especial notice of men of science, presenting some of the 
best examples of the junction of an unstratified white gran- 
ite, of a comparatively recent date, with the older, darker and 
stratified rock of similar material, to be met with in the coun- 
try. In the south-eastern portion of the town, especially in 
the region of " Dark Hollow," mica abounds in the rocks, 
forming a coarse grained mica slate. This valley is the 
mythic region in the history of Glastenbury, and stories of 

* This recent appearance of the pine, after so long an absence from our for- 
ests, is not jjcculiar to this region. The same is true of portions of country- 
north of us, acres of land being now covered with dense forests of thrifty pines, 
where thirty years ago the tree was unlcnown. 



9 

enchanted visions and wonderful sights have been rife con 
cerning it, from an early period. Gold and silver, and pre 
cious gems, have been supposed to abound there, but have 
been so closely watched and guarded by " the weird sisters,' 
as thus far to elude the sight of mortals. Better authentica 
ted is the tradition that wild cats formerly lived there in great 
abundance. Between the portions already described, th 
predominant rock is a light gray gneiss, the superincumbent 
soil partaking largely of the materials which compose the 
rocks themselves.* 

For a long period after New England was redeemed from 
the abyss of waters, the whole valley of the Connecticut 
above Middletown, seems to have been submerged, and there 
is scarcely room for doubt, that for some ages after the waters 
of the valley forced themselves through the " Narrows," that 
all the region of country lying on the borders of Roaring 
Brook, above the mills of the " Hartford Manufacturing 
Company," formed a lake of very considerable magnitude. 
The narrowness of the gorge through which the waters now 
flow, the comparative freshness of the rocks jutting from its 
precipitous banks, and the appearance of the country above, 
give this opinion an air of probability which can not well be 
resisted or set aside. The only remaining peculiarities of soil, 
are a circular area of considerable extent at Nipsic, compri- 
sing a level portion of country, or elevated plain, high above 
the adjacent plains on the west, yet exceedingly fertile; and 
an elevated plateau, or region of table land, east of Roaring 
Brook and Sparksville. These, together with the precipitous 
Kongscut, the rugged Minnechaug, and other mountains of 
lesser note, complete the outline of the landscape. 

Indian History and Sale. 

When the whites first landed in this country, the whole of 
New England, and much of the adjacent territory, was occu- 
pied by a race of Indians since known as the Algonquin 

* Per. Geo. Rep. 218-235, 445-449. 



10 

Lenape, or manly men of the Algonquin mountains.* This 
nation, identified by sameness of language, included the 
Knisteneaux, the Chippeways or Ogibbewahs, the Algon- 
quins, the Micmacs, Etchemins or Passammaquoddies, the 
Penobscots, the Massachusetts, the Narragan setts, the Mo- 
hegans, the Delawares, the Long Islanders, the Minsi, the 
Saukhicans, the Souriquois, the Miamis, the Scoffies, the 
IVIississages, the Ottawas, with the Sheshatapoosh, of Lab- 
rador, f The Indians living on the river which forms our 
western border, were called Quinitikoock,^ or Qunihtituk- 
QUT§ Indians, signifying those who lived on the Greats or 
Long-river, the latter being the common interpretation, 
the former the usage of the Indians in this vicinity. || On 
the east were tribes, families, or clans called Nipmucks, 
signifying simply Indians living away from the river.% 
These Indians, with those lying on the west, were called 
MoHEGANs, or the Wolf-tribe** Still west of these was a 
tribe of the Iroquois family, called Mohawks, that is. Men- 
eaters, it being their custom to eat the prisoners taken in 



* Algonquin is a name api)lied to a particular tribe of Indians by the French. 
Gal. 21. Lenape, is from Lenno and Nape. I suspect the English Alleghany 
is the same as the French Algonquin, or at least connected with it. 

t Gal. 305. 

JR. W. 19. 

§ Cotton in M. H. C, 3d S., II. 225. 

II The word Connecticut is generally translated Long-river, and is derived 
from Quinih, long ; took, or tuk, icater, and ut, ock, on, upon, place of. The 
usage of the Indians in this vicinity however, seems to imply that they sup- 
posed the iirst part of the compound to be Quiniquje, great, the name by which 
it is described in all our early records. " Great-river," therefore, is simply a 
translation of the Indian word Connecticut. The orthographies of this word 
have been various ; of which the following are examples. 

Roger Williams, Qunnihticut, Key, 22, 117. 

Josiah Cotton, Qunnehtukquet, M. H. C, 3 S., II. 225. 

Colonial Records, Connecticott, 2, 15, 20. 

Callandar, Qunniticut, R. H. S., IV. 74. 

Rec. E. Hamp. Keniticut, Trumb. C. R., I. 573. 

If Nip, water, river; and muck, /row, aivay from. R. W. 28, 33. 

•* This name was also written Mohicans, Mahingans, Gal. 34, 44, and by 
Rev. Dr. Edwards, who spoke the language as readily as his mother tongue, 
Muhhekaneew. Obs. Lang. Muh. 



11 

war.* With this tribe the Mohegans were in continual war- 
fare, and tradition relates that before the arrival of the whites, 
more than one bloody battle had been fo.ught with them up- 
on these plains of Naubuc, whereon we are now assembled. 
East of the Mohegans came the Pequttoog or Pequot, that 
is, the Grey-fox tribe ;t with which war was of frequent oc- 
currence, and whose leader or sachem at the settlement of 
this town was Pekoath,^ also signifying Grey-fox. 

The Indians on the river were subdivided into numerous 
clans or families, one of which was wholly within the limits 
of Glastenbury, and several others were upon its borders, of 
which the following particulars have been gleaned. 

1. Nayaug, pronounced by the Indians probably Nau- 
YAUG. This clan lived in Glastenbury, making their head- 
quarters and principal residence at the place now bearing 
their name; which, when compared with the early records 
and probable etymology, seems to have been the original of 
Roaring-brook. As the Connecticut was the Great-river, 
so Nayaug was Noisy-water, or Roaring-brook.\ This tribe 



* From MOHO, to eat, R. W. 36 ; properly, Mohowaug. 

t Pequawus, Grey-fox, R. W. 95 and 19. 

X Deforest supposes this name to be a mistake for Wopigwoot, written by 
the Dutch, Wapequart, p. 67, but as he has no acquaintance with the Indian 
language, his opinion can decide no question of Indian philology. The name 
of Wopigwoot, and his father, Woipeguana, as given by Uncas in 1679, are 
evidently from the same root. The Woi, seems to be an Indian prefix,, an- 
swering to the English article the, while Pequana and Pigwoot, are merely 
orthographic variations of Pequot, and hence the names signiiy merely the 
Grey- fox, that is, the chief who bore the totem of Grey-fox. 

§ The etymology of this word is something in doubt. " Roaring-brook" was 
first called by the whites. Sturgeon-river, which subsequently gave place to 
Nayaug, or Roaring-brook. The syllable Na, (pron. naw,) seems to have been 
associated with the idea o[ noise, sounding, or roaring, in the Indian languages- 
as well as many other tongues, e. g. 

Na-nah-sho-n.it, (the heavy noise of deep) breathing. Cot. SS. 

^H-xoo-NAU, (the decisive tone of) commanding. Cot. 89. 

A-ha-^v-ouk', (the noise of) laughing. Cot. -p. 93, 

Noo-NU-af, (the noise made by) sucking. Cot. 97. 

The Chinese apply a similar radical syllable in the same manner; wett, 
(pron. ndoo,) to denote the ox, cow, because of the noise of their lowing or bel- 
lowing. The Sanscrit employs the root was, to signify giving sound, or making 
a noise, which i&uhe precise tbrce of the English noiie, (=Maez.) The Indians 



12 

found, within the natural amphitheatre where the centre 
of South Glastenbury now stands, an admirable protection 
against the storms and tempests of winter, and with a never- 
failing stream of the purest water at their feet, over which 
neither heat nor cold could exert any sway, they spent their 
time in such enjoyments as the blankness of the savage mind 
could afford. And it was a place of safety as well as of 
comfort, the promontory of " Red-hill" furnishing a ready 
look-out and defense on the river side, while " Chesnut-hill," 
in the opposite direction, was a good observatory towards 
every quarter. Here, in the fastnesses of that romantic glen, 
which has now been engrossed for many years by the cotton- 
mill, the Nayaugs protected themselves from the inclemen- 
cies of the seasons, and the assaults of the Red man. Here, 
too, these primitive sons of the forest, under the shadow of a 
projecting cliffj fashioned a huge samp-mortar, in a rock of 
primitive granite, from whence the cry of Nasaump,* the re- 
sounding of the pestle, and the roar of the waterfall, ming- 
ling, formed the choral of their domestic life ; long since sup- 
planted by the buzz of the spindle, and the rattle of the loom. 
But though the Indian is gone, the mortar is there, deep and 
broad, wrought with the skill of the workman, marking the 
place of the Nayaugs-I This family, tribe or clan, which 
amounted to a considerable number, thirty years after the 
settlement of the town, has hitherto been without a place in 
our Indian histories, simply, because they ever dwelt in 
peace and quietness with the whites, no instance having been 
found of the slightest hostilities between them, though the 
remnant of the tribe disappeared within the present century. 
The nearest approach to hostilities that has come to our 
knowledge, is furnished by the following tradition in regard 



called the horse, Nay-nay-ou-we-mot, Cotton says, p. 4, because of its being a 
beast of burden. To me it seems more probable because of its neighing, 
(==nay-ing,) Upon this supposition, Nayaug signifies noisy water, or Roaring- 
brook. 

* The Indian word for samp. R. W. .3^^. 

t This mortar, about two feet in diameter, and two and a half in depth, is 
now covered by the waters of the lower pond of the Hartford Manufacturing 
Company. 



13 

to John Hollister, which has been supplied by a member of 
the family abroad. While IVIr. Hollister resided on the west 
side of the river, he was accustomed to come over and culti- 
vate his land at Nayaug, unprotected by company. On one 
occasion, a huge, stalwart Indian, claiming to be the most 
athletic and powerful man of the tribe, appeared before him, 
saying that he had been told that Mr. H. was the stoutest 
pale-face in the settlement, and proposing a trial of strength 
in a fight. Mr. H. assented, and at it they went. After en- 
gaging in combat until both were well nigh exhausted, they 
agreed upon a truce, and sitting down on a log, rested them- 
selves. Having recovered breath and strength they fought 
again, and again rested, fighting and resting until sun-down, 
when neither having conquered, they exchanged tokens of 
friendship, and ever after lived in peace. Now when it is 
recollected, that all this was long before the settlement of 
Pennsylvania, by WilUam Penn, in 1681, and that all that he 
gained of peace and quiet by his upright treatment of the In- 
dians, had been secured by our fathers a whole generation 
before his time, it justly entitles them to a share in the praises 
which have been so abundantly showered upon him. 

2. WoNGGUNKs. The WoNGGUM Indians, who are known 
as WoNGGUNKs, wcrc those who lived at the hendoii\\e. river, 
as the name imports,* partly in Glastenbury, but principally 
in Portland; the one name signifying the people^ (Wong- 
gunks,) the other the place (Wonggum) of their dwelling. 
The name of this tribe is preserved in the name of Wonggum 
meadows^ and Wonggum brook, which reaches the river by 
passing through the same. 

3. HoccANUM. The Hoccanum Indians lived, as their 
name imports, at the fishing -ground{\ which occurs at the 
northern part of the town. In other places the same word 
was turned into Higganum; especially when other syllables 
were added, as in Higganumpus. This tribe, or some one un- 
known, was accustomed to resort to the " Old Pan," in the 

* WoNKUN, to bend. Cot. 39. 

t UuHKE, or Ohke, and Namus, R. W. S9, 102. Cot. 9, 10. Tliis name is 
common on this river, occurring in Easthampton, Mass. and at Haddam, in 
tlie form of Higganum. 



14 

north part of the town, and ti*aces of their fires and burials 
long remained. 

4. Pyquag. The residence of the Indians at Wethersfield, 
bore the name of Pyquag, the meaning of which is not cer- 
tainly known, but which seems to have denoted a place 
where the Indians celebrated their public games, and may 
therefore be rendered dancing-place ;* an inference sustained 
by some of the ancient traditions, and strongly favored by 
the peculiar make of the high meadows. These Indians oc- 
cupied Wethersfield and Rocky Hill. 

5. Mattabesick, or Mattabesetts. Below the Pyquags 
dwelt the Mattabesetts, or Black-Hill Indians,! whose sa- 
chem bore rule over the Indians of Wethersfield and Glasten- 
bury, and of whom the settlers made their first purchase. The 
name by which this chief is first known in history, is, Sow- 
HEAG, or Sauheak ; but this was properly the name of the sa- 
chemdom, and not of the man, and signifies South country, or 
kingdom.% The proper name of this chief seems to have been 
Sequasson, sometimes lengthened into Sunckquasson, and at 
other times shortened to Sequin, or Sequeen,§ if that be not a 
modification of Sachem. The significance of the name Se- 
quasson appears to be Hard-stone, as that of Suncquasson is 
Cold- stone. \i^ Turning the word Sachem into its correspond- 
ing English meaning, king or lord, and the meaning of this 
chieftain's full title, Sequasson-Sequin-Sowhag, will be iyarrf- 
stone, King-of -the- South- Country. His son and successor bore 
the presuming title of MANiTTOwESE,or Mantowese, signify- 
ing Little-god, whose totem, a large bow in readiness for 
shooting, spoke forth the daring indicated by the name.^ 

* This name is one of frequent occurrence. There was one near Hadley, 
called Paquayyag, (C. R. II. 353,) and another near Hudson, called Paquayaq, 
and Paquiag. C. R. II. 472. Pauochauog, they are playing, or dancing. R. 
W.145. 

t Roger Williams writes the word Metewemesick, and derives it from Me- 
TEWis, black earth. 

X From Sow, or Sau, South, and ake, land, country. Bar. 1. 
^Deforest, 54. 

(( SioKKE, /larrf, HxrssuN, sione. Cot. 24. Elliot 10. Sunkquasson, if not a 
modification of Sequassen, would be from Sonqueu, cold, and hussun, stone. 
Cot. 7. 

IT Manit, gorf, and wese, little. R. W. 45, 109, 111, Lamb. 46. 



15 

6. SiccAOG. Above the Pyquags, at what is now Hart- 
ford, dwelt the family of the Siccaog, at a place, or on a 
river called Siccanum. In the absence of all history, it is im- 
possible to say what is the precise meaning of this word. It 
may be (1) that Siccanum is merely a dialectic variation of 
HiGGANUM, made as Snipsic was by the Indians,* from Nip- 
sic, a pond^ and Sumhuk, from Amik, a ieayer, by prefixing a 
sibilant (s,) or as Skunkscut has been made from Kongscut, 
by the whites, in the same manner. Or (2) it may have 
been compounded of Siokke, hard, and Namas,/^/*, signify- 
ing simply hard fish, and probably clams, the name of which 
was SicKissuoG.f It may reasonably be conjectured, there- 
fore, that the Siccaog, were a family or tribe that dealt in 
SicKissuoG, or cla7ns, and that Siccanum was the place of 
their residence. This would seem to indicate that it was a 
place where clams might be obtained, either because they 
grew there, or had been brought there, making Hartford then, 
as now, prominent for its trade. Or (3) it may have been 
compounded of Sequi, black, and ake, earth, and hence Se- 
Qui-AK (pron. Sik-ki-ak,) would signify black-earth, that is rich 
soil. Which of these is to be preferred must be determined 
by history or tradition, if there is any bearing on the point. 

The other Indians of the vicinity were the Tunxis or Crane 
Indians, habiting on Tunxis Sepus, or Little- Crane-river ;X 
the Poquonnuc Indians, or those living at a battle-field,^ the 
Podunks, living, as the name seems to import, at the place of 
fire, or place of burning, \ and the Scantics, who seem to have 
taken their name from the low, watery country in which they 
lived.^ 

* NiPSTC, from nip, water, and sic, place of, is the name of a place where there 
was formerly a pond in Glastenbury. Snipsic is the name of a pond now ex- 
isting in Tolland, which furnishes water for the enterprising and thrifty village 
ofRockville. f R. W. 103. 

X Taunck, crane. R. W. 87. Sepeose, little-river. R. W. 89. 

§ Poquonnuc, Peconnuc, Pughquonnuc, and Pocatonnuc, were Indian 
names of places in Connecticut, and are all (unless it be the last-mentioned) 
evidently derived from Pauqua, to destroy, kill, slaughter. R. W. 118, 151. 
They apparently denote slaughter place, and probably in battle. 

II PoTAW,_^»-e, and VNCK, place of . R. W. 48, and hence Potaunck, or Po- 
DUNK, or PoTUNK, as it was sometimes written. T. C. R., II. 336. 

USoKEN, to pour out, R. W, 34, and Sokenum, rain, R. W. 81, are evidently 



16 

The peaceable dwelling of the whites with the natives in 
Glastenbury, for so long a period, led to the preservation of a 
very large number of Indian names, most of which are still 
familiar to our ears. On the south, situated partly in Chat- 
ham, and partly in Glastenbury, is a mountain called in the 
records, Mesomersic, but colloquially Somersic, a mountain 
abounding in rattlesnakes^ from its first discovery to the pres- 
ent day. These reptiles were so abundant at the first settle- 
ment of the town, that it was found necessary for many years 
to offer a bounty for their destruction, which was generally 
at " sixpence a tail," to copy the language of the record. 
The Indian name of the mountain testifies to the same pe- 
culiarity, Me-shom-as-seck, signifying great rattlesnake, or 
abundance of rattlesnakes* 

On the south verge of the town, near Chatham and Col- 
chester lines, John Sadler established himself at a very 
early period, as the keeper of an inn or ordinary, on the road 
to Monheag, or New London, probably within the present 
limits of Marlborough. Here the Indians seem to have re- 
sorted for many years, and here a considerable body of them 
dwelt for a long time. Clustering around this valley, early 
known as " Sadler's Ordinary Meadow," are several hills 
which have .retained their Indian names, though some of 
them have now become nearly obsolete. In this vicinity is a 
hill called Pahegansic, or Pegansic, evidently signifying 
Bear-hill, that is, a place where bears abounded, though the 
name in the records, "bare-hill," celebrates it for its barren- 
ness.\ In the same neighborhood, is a mountain called Ma- 
BAUTAUANTucKsucK,in a dccd of Thomas Edwards, to his son- 
in-law, John Goodrich, of land given to Edwards previous 
to 1673, by Tarramuggus, an Indian chief residing at Weth- 
ersfield. This name seems to denote the place of morning ; 
that is, the place where the first appearance of morning could 

the same word from which some of the N. E. dialects had Asquan, water. So- 
KENTUCK, or AsQUANTtrcK, placc of water, might ver/ readily change to Skantic. 

* MiSHOM, great, and sesek and assek, rattlesnake. R. W. 84, 96, 100. 

t Patiiuen, Pekun, in Paukunnaw-ntio, / hunt the bear ; Paukunnawaw, the 
sign of the great bear. R. W. 94, 143. 



17 

be discovered by those who employed the name.* In this 
region also, occm-s the hill called by the Indians, Amanan- 
TucKsucK, or Amonontucksuck, subsequently turned into 
Anontoosuck, and again still corrupted into the present Pan- 
TOosucK, known in the records as " the Pine Hill," but sig- 
nifying j^/ace for hunting deer.f This hill extends nearly from 
Kongscutt to Marlborough. In the same vicinity is the re- 
gion now known as Wassuc, first called Washiack, and 
afterwards Assawassuc, and Hassawassuc.J The original 
name Washiack, may mean either jo/ace of bears, or place of 
paint. Many circumstances seem to indicate that the last is 
the true meaning, and that it was so named because of 
an abundance of painting materials found there. In the 
same vicinity, but near the south bounds of the town, is a 
place called Seaukum. This word is something in doubt as 
to its etymology, but seems to be from Sauk, contracted from 
PussouGH, or Sough, a wild-cat, and hence denoting j^/ace of 
wild cats, which are known to have 'abounded in the region 
of dark hollow.\ A little east of the centre of the town, is a 
mountain range, bearing, in the colloquial language of the 
people at present, the barbarous name of Skunkscut, to which 
allusion has already been made. In all the early records it 
is called Kongscut, and was no doubt derived from Honck- 
siT, signifying goose country.^ Its high and precipitous 
ledges afforded a secure retreat for wild geese in summer, 
while the clear and limpid waters of Diamond Pond, lying 



* Mataubon, by transposition and lengthening the vowels Mabautauan, 
morning, with the terminations tuck and suck. K. W. 67. G. L. R. II. 19S. 

t Aunam, a fawn, deer. R. W. 143. G. L. R. IV. 95, 242. 

X In some of the N. E. dialects, Wassoos signified hear. Morse's Rep. Ind. 
52. The Conn. Indians did not use this word for bear, yet called bear's meat, 
Weeyous. WvssvcYi, painted. R. W. 154. Assawassuck seems to have been 
compounded of Asuhwetii, of/ier /lowse, Cot. 20, and Wassuc. Sadler's Ordin- 
ary, was the first house in that neighborhood. Mr. Josiah Wtllard't seems to 
have been the second, and it was to this, that the term was at first applied. G. 
L. R. II. 198. 

§ R. W. 95, gives Pdssough as the name for wild-cat, but that i#was also 
abridged into Souk, we have evidence in Soucook, which signifies place of 
wild-cats. C. E. Potter, MS. Lect. 1852. 

II HoNCK, goose, ausit, or sit, place of, couniry. R. W. 86, 87. 

2 



18 

just beyond, furnished the necessary means of their recreation 
and comfort. 

In the north-eastern part of the town, rises the bold and 
rugged MiNNECHAUG, whose productions still prove its title 
to the name of berry-land* as the Indian name imported. 
Nearly in the centre of the town lies the elevated plateau of 
Nipsic, so called from a pond bearing that name, and signi- 
fying place ofwater.j The pond itself, however, has disap- 
peared before the enterprise of the farmers there, whose far 
reaching vision, catching a glimpse of its rich bottoms, found 
means of draining it, and have thus obtained some of the 
most valuable land in town. But though the pond is gone, 
" Nipsic Pool," whose ferruginous waters have given it at 
times the name of " Red Spring," still remains ; a clear, cool, 
bubbling fountain, whose waters have wrought some impor- 
tant cures. Another important portion of country, yet 
known by its Indian name, is the broad plain extending from 
Roaring Brook to Hartford line, still known as Naubuc. 
Various etymologies of this word suggest themselves. If 
derived from Neepuck, blood^X it perpetuates the memory of 
the blood that had been shed there, in the battles with the 
Mohawks. Or the name may have been compounded of 
two words, Anue-Pakhe, signifying 7nore clear, or open, in 
allusion to the plain and level aspect of the country, and 
would then merely denote the plains; hence might come 
both Naubuc and Hanabuc,§ names used interchangeably. 
But there is still another origin which seems to me more 
probable than either. There is no evidence that the word 
was used when the whites came here, and it does not ap- 
pear in the records until some time subsequent, when it is 
used to describe land on the east side of the " Great-river." 
The term, the east side, being so often employed by the Eng- 
lish, the Indian may have joined his Nop, east, and uc,|| 

* MiNNE, berry, uk or awk, jdare of, from ake, land. 
t See ijpte, p. 15. 
JR. W. 158. 
§Cot. 21, 97, 103. 

II Nop-atin, east-wind. R. W. S.^j. The Massachusetts Indians called the 
islands east of them Nope, apparently signifying simply the east. Cot. 122. 



19 

locality^ place, side, and made Nopuc, or Naubuc, signifying 
the east side. 

Another place, the extent of which is not known, was in 
the eastern part of the town, adjoining Hebron, and bore the 
name of Sechenayaug. The identity of the name Nay- 
AUG, with that of the stream bearing this name, taken in con- 
nection with the fact that som& of the branches of the Nay- 
AUG or Roaring' Brook, rise in this vicinity, might lead to the 
natural inference that it signifies the head or beginning of 
Roaring Brook. But there is another, and we are not sure 
but a preferable interpretation. The first part of this com- 
pound, Seken or Sequen, signifies water or rain. If, then, 
Nayaug denotes roaring, the inference is obvious and just, 
that Sechenayaug, must be the place of rains-roaring, in 
allusion, as it would seem, to the fact that the rain there pro- 
duced an unusual and remarkable degree of noise.* 

Purchase of Eastbury. 

The first purchase of Glastenbury, as we have already 
seen, was made of Hardstone, king of the south coimtry. The 
second purchase, made in 1673, was made of seven Indians, 
for themselves and their respective families or tribes, as ap- 
pears by the following deed. 

This writting Avitnessetli that we Tarramuggus, Massacuppee Wesumpshye 
One peny Nesaheeg Seorcket and Pewampskin for and in consideration of a 
valuable sum to us in hand well and truly paid or secured to be paid by 
Lieut. John Chester Mr Samii Talcot Mr James Treat Sargt. John Nott 
and Hugh Welles of Wethersfield in the County of Hartford who were 
chosen by the Town to purchase a tract of land on the east side of the great 
River, the receij^t thereof is hereby accknowledged by us the said Tarramug- 
gus Masecuppe Wesumpshye One peny Nesaheege Seorcket and Pewamp- 
skin and themselves therewith fuly sattisfied contented and paid and thereof 
and of every part and parcell thereof doe hereby fully clearly and absolutely 
aquit and discharge the said comitty and the inhabitants of the town of Weth- 
ersfield their heirs executors and Administrators and every of them for ever 
by these presents and for divers other valuable good causes and considera- 
tions us the said Tarramuggus Massecuppe Wesumpshye One peny Nesa- 

• Cot. 91. li. W. .'?4, SI. G. L. R. III. 54, .55; IV. 232, 234 ; V. 282. 



20 

heeg Seockett and Pewampskin hereunto especially moving have given 
granted bargained sold assigned set over and confirmed and doe by these 
presents for ourselves our sucksessors fully clearly and absolutely give grant 
bargain sell assign sett over and confirm unto the said comitye of Wethers- 
feild for the use of the inhabitants of the said plantation their heirs executors 
and administrators and assigns for ever all the estate right title interest use 
property claime and demand whatsoever we the said Tarramuggixs Massa- 
cuppee Wesumpshye One peny Nesaheeg Seockett and Pewampskin have 
had or in time to come might ought or should have in or to one tract of land 
containing thirty large miles square that is to say from the east end of Weth- 
ersfeild old bounds to run five large miles into the contry east and six large 
miles in breadth the said tract of land is scituat lyeing and being on the east 
side of conticot River bounded withe the said Wethersfeild lands west and 
the desert east the side against some part of INIidletown bounds South and 
lands not yett granted and Hartford bounds North to have and to hold the 
thirty square large miles as aforesaid with all the proffitts privileges and apur- 
tenances to the same belonging unto the said comitty in the behalf of the in- 
habitants of Wethersfeild and to their heirs and sucksessors for ever and to 
the only proper use and behoof of the inhabitants of Wethersfeild their heirs 
and sucksessors for ever and the said Tarr*[amuggus] [Mas]secuppee We- 
sumpshye One peny Nesaheeg Seockett and [Pewampskin] for ourselves our 
heirs and sucksessors and [evry of them] doe covenant promiss and grant 
to [and with the said] comitty in the behalf of the inhabitants of Wethers- 
field their heirs and sucksessors and to and with every of them by these 
presents in manner and form as followeth that is to say that the said Tarra- 
muggus Massacuppe Wesumpshye One peny Nesaheege Seockett and Pe- 
wampskin are sceized of a good estate in fee simple in the premisses and that 
they have full power good right and lawfull authority to give grant bargain 
sell and confirm all the above bargained premisses and every part and par- 
cell thereof unto the inhabitants of Wethersfeild their heirs and sucksessors 
for ever without any condition limitation use or other thing to alter change or 
make void the same and that the said comitty and the inhabitants of Wethers- 
field their heirs and sucksessors shall and may on the day of the date hereof 
and from time to time forever hereafter by force of these presents have hold 
use occupy possess and enjoye all the above bargained premises and every 
part and parcell thereunto there own proper use and behoof forever without 
the lett sute trouble molestation eviction ejection or denial of the said Tarra- 
muggus Massecuppee Wessumpshy One peny Nesaheeg Seockett and Pe- 
wampskin or any other person or persons whatsoever by their or any of 
there act meanes default consent or procurement and against them the said 
Tarramuggus Wesumpshy Massacuppe One peny Nesaheeg Seocket and Pe- 



• The words and parts of words contained in brackets are wanting in the 
Wethersfield copy, a part of the leaf being gone. It is supplied from the Hart- 
.fordcony. T. & L. I. 132. 



. 21 

wampskin our heirs and all and every other person and persons whatsoever 
Lawfully claiming any estate Right title interest use property possession 
elaime or demand of in or to the same or any part or parcell thereof from by 
or under them or any of them shall and will warrant and forever defend by 
these presents in witnesse whereof the said Tarramuggus Masseeuppe We- 
sumpshy One peny Nesaheeg, Seocket and Pewampskin have hereunto sett 
our hands and seals this tenneth day of October in the year of our Lord one 
thousand six hundred seventy and three 

Signed sealed and dehvered in the presents of these wittnesses 

John Talcott Sarah Sasakenams 



Daniell Clarke 


Tarramuggus 


his mark 


Eichard Ely 


Masecup 


his mark 


hanah I one peny 


Wesumpshye 


his mark 


Wasanuniun his mark 


One peny 


his mark 


Joseph his mark 


Nesaheeg 


his mark 


Sarah won peny 


Seockett 


his mark 




Pewampskin 


his mark 



Wethersfield, April 13th, 1853. 

The above and foregoing is a true copy from the records of this town, Vol. 
Ill, pages 61 and 62. ALBERT GALPIN, Toion Clerk. 

The names of the signers of this deed, are first, Tarra- 
muggus, which, according to the interpretation given to Dr. 
Barratt, by an Indian, signifies bear-catcher* The second 
signer is Massecuppe, which may denote that he was a man 
of great height and size, or, of great fierceness.^ The third 
signer, Wesumpshye, seems to have been a great eater.% 
The name written " One peny," should, no doubt, have been 
WuMPENE, signifying belt of wampum. And the same may 
be said of the two witnesses bearing this name.§ The fifth 
signer, Nesaheeg, seems to be the same as Nessahegan, 
spoken of in another place, and signifying an instrument of 
death. Seockett, the sixth signer, is evidently from the 



* Tahqui, to caic/i. Cot. 42. M'quoh, a6ear. Gal. 341. 

t Massa, great, and cuppi, thick, or chep, a root signifying to be fierce, as in 
CHACHEP,_^ercej chepe-wessin, norZ/i wind, chepewess, a northern storm of war. 
R. W. 83, 75, 133. 

X WussuMUPPWOXK, gluttony. Cot. 17, by dropping the ending onk, and sub- 
stituting Esu, denoting man, becomes Wussumpesu, or Wesumpshye. 

§ WoMPAN, it'/izfc money. R. W. 130. Names similar to this were common 
among the Indians of Conn., the totem of which is uniformly a belt of ivampum. 
See Hall's Norwalk, 37. Lamb. N. H. Col. 153. Bar. I. P. M. 2. 



22 

same root as Seaukum, and hence denotes luild-cat. Pe- 
WAMPSKiN, the last of the signers, was fair complexion* 
Wassanuniun, a witness, may, perhaps, have been painted 
fish,-\ while Sasakenamo, was evidently the idle, or the sloth- 
full 

At an earlier period Tarramuggus had granted two hun- 
dred acres of land to Thomas Edwards, to which allusion 
has been already made, and still earlier an Indian named 
Rechaun, had given Robert Boltwood a pond and a quanti- 
ty of land adjoining. This Rechaun, if we may judge by 
the name, could not have been a native of this vicinity, 
scarcely a name of place or person occurring in this region, 
beginning with R. We find many names, however, in the 
western part of the State, and in the parts of New York ad- 
joining, beginning with this letter. The land given by Tar- 
ramuggus to Thomas Edwards, long bore the name of the 
giver, even so late as 1746, as we learn from a vote of the 
society of Eastbury, passed that year. 

" Voted, [a certain sum] to John Kimberley for his service in going to tu- 
ramugus to prevent the Stone House people from being set off from us." 

This vote determines the locality beyond a reasonable 
doubt. 

Very little is known of the boundaries of the country 
claimed by the various families or tribes of Indians. In 
1666, an agreement was entered into by the Indians in re- 
spect to this point. On the one part was Uncas, whose 
name signifies the hold.\ On the other, was Aramamet, (the 
son of Uncas,) at that time acting sachem of the Podunks,|| 
whose name seems to have indicated his character, if as we 
imagine, it signified dog'^s -tongue,^ and with him are Seau- 



* Bar. Ind. P. M. 2. 

t Wussa-Namas. 

\ Cot. 18. Sasekeneamoonk, slothfulness. 

§ UNQUs-uonk, bold-ncss. Cot. S; Onkque, cruel tyrant. Cot. 21. 

IITrumb. Col. Rec. I. 

^ Aramamet scem.s to be compounded of Arum, the Indian word for dog, 
in Connecticut, R. W. 96, and Meenat, or Weenat, a tooth. Comp. Ell. 10, R. 
W. 59. The change which this etymology supposes the word to undergo, is 



23 

KET whose name has already been mentioned and explained, 
and Nessahagen, whose cognomen described him as an in- 
strument of death* and Quanampewit, or Long-toothy^ who 
are described as "Gentlemen of Connecticut." J The boun- 
dary line according to this agreement, began at a place called 
Ashowat, or the other house, ^ a place lying south of 
Glastenbury, in what town is uncertain, but probably in 
Chatham. From Ashowat the line was continued to 
WoNGGUNSHOAKE, wMch sccms to havc been Washiack, on 
or at the head of Wonggum-brook, (Wonggum- Washiack= 
WoNGGUMSHOAK,) thcncc to Washiack, of which we have 
already spoken, and thence in a northerly course, without 
any prescribed limit. But though the Nayaug Indians cer- 
tainly, and the Wonggunks probably, were included within 
the limits of Aramamat, he was restrained from appropriating' 
any land to himself south of the road leading from Thomas 
Edwards to Monheage, now New London, as appears from 
the following agreement, copied from the Colonial Records. 

" This writeing witnesseth that Vncass, Sachem of Moheag, in behalfe of 
himselfe and peoi^le of Moheag and Nahantick, doe hereby engage him and 
them to Aramamatt, Seacut & Nessaheagen, Gentn of Conecticut, in behalfe 
of the Indian people at Windsor, Podunk and Hartford, that they will carry 
it peaceably & neighbourly towards them and the aforesaid Indians and that 
they will not either secretly or publiquely contriue or practice any evil or 
mischiefe against y™. And the aforesaid Aramamat etc. engage that they 
& the aforesaid Indians on the Riuer will carry it peaceably towards y^ afore- 
said Sachem and his people and that they will neither plot nor practice any 
evil against the said Vncass or his people. And whereas there is a difference 
about the bounds of Lands and Royalties belonging to y" said Sachem and 
Aramamat, It is agreed between them that the devideing bounds shalbe at 
Ashowat to Wonggunshoake and soe to Washiack and from thence northerly, 
from wch bounds the Land and Royalties on the east shalbe and remain to 
Vncass and his heires, and from ye said bounds on ye west to Conecticut 
Riuer shalbe to Aramamat and his heires ; &, this our agreem*, and that we 



precisely like that in the Indian word Wuttammagon, a pipe, from Wutton 
mouth, and equn, or eagun, thing, instrument, machine, etc. 

*From Nissm, killing, and eagun, instrument. R. W. 115, 122, and see 
Schoolcraft's Miss. App. 200. 

t QuNiH, long, and weepit, or meepit, tooth. See Ell. 10, R. W, 59. 

X Col. Rec. II. 

§ AsuHWETii, another house. Cot. 20. 



24 

oblige oiu-selues & o^ heires to stand to y" same, wee testify by subscribing 
or marks. 

It is agreed that Aramamat shal not Vncass X his mark 

imprpriate vnto himself any of ye Land Aramamat X his mark 

yt is on the south of ye path that goes Seacut X his mark 

from Thomas Edwards to Monheage. Nesahegen X his mark 

Quanampewet X his m'k 

This writinge aboue was signed and d'd in presence of vs who were ap- 
pointed by the GenU Assembly to hear and indeauor the said Indians com- 
pliance, w*ii y9 ful and free consent of both parties 

John Allyn, Recorded out ye Originall, 

Will™ Wadsworth this Augst 3^, 66. 

Tho: Stanton pr Daniel Clark, Sec^y.* 

Agreement, 

Whether the Nayaugs ever owed any actual subjection to 
the PoDUNKs, is uncertain, for though seemingly included 
within their limits in 1666, in 1675 they were certainly inde- 
pendent, and entering into a league with the Wonggunks, 
made choice of Owaneco, another son of Uncas, as their 
chief,! whose name and totem, both signify g-oose.j^ The 
combined forces of these two tribes received authority from 
the colonial legislature in November, 1675, to erect a fort at 
WoNGGUM or Nayaug, as they might think best, and which 
was subsequently erected on the banks of the river at Red- 
hill, nearly west of the place now occupied by Col. Elijah 
Miller, the land having been given by Lieut. Hollister, for 
that purpose.§ In October previous, the house of Mr. John 
Hollister, on the east side of the river, had been fortified, and 
the Indians and the whites were laboring side by side to se- 
cure their corn, in order to convey it to some place of safety, 
where it might be secure against an expected invasion. || 

The relation of the whites and Indians on the west side 



•T. C. R. II. 41,42. 
t C. R. II. 379. 

I HoNCK, softened by the insertion of vowels, becomes Oh-won-ek-ko. 
Another son of Uncas was Wequashcuck, or Wequash, which signifies swan. 
R. W. 86. 

§C. R. II. 379,411. 

II C R. II. 374, 375. 



25 

of the river was generally peaceful, as well as on the east, 
but on April 23d, 1637, Nepaupuck, or Messatunck, a Pe- 
quot captain, with a body of wamors, surprised the inhabit- 
ants of AVethersfield, killed nine and took two prisoners. 
Of the persons killed, Abraham and John Finch are the only 
ones that are known. The captives were little girls, (one a 
daughter of William Swaine), who were carried to Mystic, 
but redeemed through the instrumentality of the Dutch at 
New York. Nepaupuck was arrested the following October, 
tried at New Haven, found guilty and executed.* 

Settlement by the Whites. 

Wethersfield, including a strip of land extending three 
miles east from the great river, and stretching six large miles 
on the bank of the same, is the oldest town in the State, its 
first settlement having been commenced in 1634.t And that 
the portion of land lying upon the east side of the river, then 
included within the limits of this town, was the first tract reg- 
ularly surveyed and laid out in farms.J And it may not be 
amiss to observe, that while Glastenbury, as part of Weth- 
ersfield, is the oldest town in the State, and was the first tract 
regularly surveyed and laid out, it was also the first town in 
Connecticut made by dividing another town.§ The first set- 
tlers of Wethersfield came into the Connecticut valley from 
Massachusetts, having been resident for a time at Watertown, 
in that colony, which name they gave to their own new 
plantation. Other settlements having been made at Hart- 
ford and Windsor, the inhabitants associated themselves to- 
gether, and held their first General Court in April, 1636. At 
this time, the dismission given by the church in Watertown 
to the new settlers, was formally accepted and ratified. In 
the February following, the name of the settlement was 



*Trumb. H. C. I. 77. Good. F. G. xxi.— iii. Bac. His. Dis. 339-341. 
t Col. Rec, I. 513. Trumb. Conn., I. 59. 

J Deposition of Eleazer Kirabeily, 16S4. Secretary of State from 1696 to 
1709. P. C. III. 120. 

§ Bradley's Reg. 1S47, p. S3. 



26 

changed into Wethersjield, though the entry in the Colonial 
Records makes it Wythersfield. 

Why the name of Wethersfield should have been chosen 
does not appear of record, and we are not aware of any tradi- 
tion that can give a clue to the reason for it. When, how- 
ever, we compare the names that have been conspicuous in 
and around the town of Wethersfield, in the county of Essex, 
in England, and those prominent in Wethersfield, in Con- 
necticut, as Hale, Swayne, Rayner, Welles, Boreham, [Board- 
man,] Baker, Plumb, Clark, Allen, Neville, Smith, Lattimore, 
and the like, the presumption is exceedingly strong, that the 
settlers of the latter intended to perpetuate the memory of 
the former, even if they were not themselves from that re- 
gion.* The name is pure Anglo-Saxon, composed of Weth- 
er, a 7'cmi, a tvether, and feld, a field. The town was in 
the county of Essex, the Hundred of Hinckford, and seems 
to have been originally a place celebrated for raising sheep. 

Though the first settlers of Wethersfield were men of in- 
telligence and piety, entertaining large views of liberty, they 
seem to have met with considerable difficulty in reducing 
them to harmonious practice. The vague and indistinct no- 
tions of democratic freedom which pervaded the community, 
rendered it exceedingly difficult so to adjust all matters of pub- 
'lic and private interest, as to prevent occasional collision be- 
tween individuals and communities. If, however, these cre- 
ated some discord, and introduced occasional strife, it was 
providentially overruled to the enlargement of their borders, 
and the increase of the State. A few events of this nature, 
having a bearing upon the future condition of the people on 



* Among the Burgesses in Parliament from the Borough of Maiden, iri the 
vicinity of Wethersfield, we find : 

47 & 51, Edward III. 10 Rich. II. Henry Hale. 

13, Richard II. John Welles. 

27, Henry VI. John Swayne. 

1, Mary. John Rayner. 

See History and Antiquities of the County of Essex, by Philip Mornant, M. 
A., Rector of St. Mary's, Colchester, 2 vols, folio. London, 1768. I. Int. xv 
p. 51, 138, 370-375. etc. etc. 



27 

the east side of the river, require to be noticed in this con- 
nection. 

Of the members of the church in Watertown, Mass., who 
came to Wethersfield, only six were dismissed, to which 
number only one was added in the next six years.* During 
this interval they received the ministerial labors of Rev. Pe- 
ter Prudden, Rev. Richard Denton, and occasionally of 
Rev. John Sherman. They seem, however, never to have 
properly reorganized their church, or called any minister to 
settle among tliem ; perhaps because they had generally two 
or three residing with them. This irregular mode of proceed- 
ing led to subsequent differences and contentions, producing 
in the end, a grievous schism among the planters. The min- 
isters and elders of Hartford and Windsor, labored in vain to 
restore harmony. In 1639, the advice of Rev. Mr .Davenport, 
of New Haven, was sought, who, finding reconciliation un- 
likely, if not impossible, advised that one party should re- 
move and establish a new colony. The church in Water- 
town also sent a committee of two persons to look after their 
members in Wethersfield, who gave the same advice. But 
here arose a serious difficulty, which party should remove ? 
The church, consisting of but seven members, was divided 
four and three. The four, being the majority of the church, 
claimed to represent the town and church, though only a mi-^ 
nority of the planters were with them. The three church 
members, with the majority of the people, claimed the right 
to remain, and the others finally left and commenced a colony 
at Stamford, in connection with the colony of New Haven, 
carrying with them the records of the church, and also of the 
town, if there were any, claiming them as their right.f The 
names of those who left and went to Stamford, are given in 
a list at 1673, and their removal mentioned. The history of 
Wethersfield from 1635 to 1641, has, therefore, to be gathered 
mainly from incidental notices contained in the Colofiial 
Records, and elsewhere. 



* T. C. R. I. 4. Savage's Winthrop, I. 305. 

t Winthrop, I. 305. Trum. Conn. I. 120. The clerk at that time is said to 
have been John Welles, son of the Governor. 



28 

Among the events of this period, interesting to the people 
of Glastenbury, was the final adjustment of the purchase 
upon this side of the river, by the General Court in 1636, 
and the adjudication of the rights and relations of Sowheag 
and the whites in 1638.* Another circumstance tending 
to show the difficulties under which the early colonists labor- 
ed in reducing their views of freedom to practice, is furnish- 
ed by the case of the first Recorder of lands in this town. 
This office was created by an Act of the General Court in 
1639, and Mr. [Matthew] Michell was chosen to fill the same. 
Previous to this time Mr. M., who had been a member of 
the several Courts in May and November of 1637, and in 
February, April and May, 1638, had given some offence to 
Mr. [Clement] Chaplin, for which he had been censured by 
the Court. That body, therefore, refused to ratify the elec- 
tion, declared the office vacant, and ordered a new balloting. 
The town, evidently not allowing the authority assumed by 
the Legislature, refused compliance. But whether the peo- 
ple re-elected Mr. M. or disregarded the order of court, does 
not appear. It is certain, however, that he entered upon the 
duties of his office, for which he was fined twenty nobles, and 
the part of the town that voted for him, Jive pounds, j 

And still another cause of trouble to the early settlers of 
this colony, was a spirit of insubordination which had in- 
fused itself into the lower class, and was not without its in- 
fluence upon some in the higher. A few examples of cases 
occurring within the first few years, extracted from the 
Colonial Records, will render this more apparent, and will 
also serve to illustrate the manners and customs of the times. 

" 1638 ; March, Thurston Rayner, a member of General Court from 
Wethersfield, was fined one shilling for not being present at the appointed 
time. 

" April 5th, Thurston Rayner, George Hubbard, members of Gen. Court 
from Wethersfield, fined one shilling each for not being present at the open- 
ing of Court, at seven o'clock, [in the morning ?] 



•T. C. R. I. 5, 19,20. 

fib. 9, 11, 13, 17, 37, 40, 51. 



29 

" 1G38, April 11th. Jno. Edwards for unclean practices, to be wbipt at a 
cart's tail upon Lecture day at Hartford. 

" Jno. Williams for similar offences to stand upon the pillory from the 
ringing of the first bell to the end of Lecture, and to be whipt at a cart's tail 
two days after at Windsor. 

" Aai'on Starke for similar offence to stand upon the pillory and be whipt 
in like manner, and to have the letter R burnt in his cheek for the wrong 
done Mary Holt. 

"Mary Holt, for like offence, fined £lO, to be paid to her parents, or to 
the commonwealth. 

" Aug. 1. ' Jno. Bennett and Mary Holt censured to be whipt for unclean 
practices.' The following persons also ' censured and fined for unseasonable 
and immoderate drinking at the Pinnace,' Thomas Cornwell, 205, Samuel 
Kittlewell, 10.*;, Jno. Lattimer, 15.v, Thomas Upson, 20s, Mathew Beckwith, 
10s. 

" 1G39 ; Sept. 5. Samuel Ireland for contempt of court for not appearing 
when summoned, fined 10s. Thomas Gridley for refusing to Avatch, suspi- 
cion of drunkenness, and contemptuous words against the court, to be whipt ; 
bound to good behaviour, £lO. 

" 1640 ; January 2. Jno. Crow fined 40s, for misdemeanor in drinking. 
" Feb. 26th, Jeffery Ferris, for declaring that certain referees in a case 
were not disinterested, fined 20s. 

" Richard Wescoat for misleading Jno. Whitmore, in the same fined 10s. 
"April 2. 'Mary Brunson, now the wife of Nicolas Disborough, Jno. 
Olmested, and Jno. Peerce, were corrected for wanton dalliance,' &c. 

" April 4th. George Abbott for selling a pistol to the Indians, fined £5, 
and he to be disposed of in service to pay the fine. 

" June 4th. Ed. Veare, fined 10s, for cursing and swearing, and is also to 
sit in the stocks two hours the next training day. 

" William Hill for buying a stolen gun, and breaking open the Coblers 
hogshead and pack, fined £4. 

" Nicholas Olmsted for miscariges with Mary Brunsen, fined 20£, to stand 
upon the pillory next Lecture day, to be ' set on a little before the beginning, 
and to stay thereon a little after the end.' Put under bonds of £30 to submit 
to it. 

"June 11th. Richard Gyldersly [Gildersleeve] conVented before the 
court, for pernitious speeches, tending to the detriment and dishonour of the 
commonwealth, fined 40s, and bound over ; bond £20. ^ 

" Matthew Michell fined as above mentioned 20 nobles. 
The people voting for him, £5. 

" July 2. Nicholas Senthion, for not appearing as a witness against Aaron 
Stark, fined 5£. 

" Aaron Stark, to be kept with lock and chain, to beld to hard labor and 
coarse diet, until called to Court." 

It is impossible for us at this distance of time, under the 



30 

different circumstances in which we are placed, to conceive 
of the difficulties that beset our ancestors in their endeavors 
to plant a Colony upon these shores, — a difficulty which was 
increased by the fact, that along with the more staid and 
sober Puritans, a class of reckless adventurers had come, per- 
sons who hoped to better their condition, without reforming 
their lives, and who were a trouble to themselves and their 
neighbors. The strong faith which they had in the justice 
of their own cause, naturally led them to judge those 
who differed from them with no little severity, while the en- 
tire conformity which they sought to establish in Church and 
State, compelled them to take notice of and punish many 
things, which, at a later time, would have passed unnoticed. 
Nothing daunted, however, they divided when they could 
not agree to live together, and learning wisdom by experi- 
ence, soon brought things into harmonious action ; produc- 
ing results which have since excited the wonder and admira- 
tion of the world. The following notices of persons who 
preached in Wethersfield from 1635 to 1641, have been 
gleaned from the sources indicated in the notes. 

Rev. Peter Prudden, born at Edgton, Yorkshire, 1601 ; 
educated for the ministry and ordained in England; preached 
a while in Yorkshire and Hertfordshire before coming to this 
country. He arrived at Boston July 26th, 1637, and sailed 
for New Haven, March 30th, 1638. While looking about 
the country he resided for a time at Wethersfield, and 
preached there. He and the people accompanying him at 
length located themselves at Wepowaug, (Milford,) where he 
was reordained by three laymen, April 18th, 1640. Upon 
his leaving Wethersfield, a considerable number of families 
accompanied him to Milford and settled there. Cotton 
Mather describes him as " an example of piety, gravity, and 
boiling zeal against the growing evils of the times," and yet 
possessed of " a singular faculty to sweeten, compose and 
qualify exasperated spirits, and to stop or heal all conten- 
tions." He died July, 1656, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. 
He had two sons, one of whom, John, graduated at Cam- 
bridge 1668, was minister of a Presbyterian Church in New- 



31 

ark, N. J. A son of this man — Job, was the first minister of 
the second society in Milford. He was graduated at 
Yale College in 1743, ordained by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, pastor of a " Separate Church," May, 1747, died 
June 24, 1774, aged fifty-nine.* 

Rev. Richard Denton had been a preacher in Halifax, 
Eng., before coming to this country. He came to Water- 
town in 1634, and to Wethersfield in 1635, where he re- 
mained until 1641, when he went to Rippowoms, (Stam- 
ford,) carrying a considerable number of families with him. 
In 1644, he removed with a portion of his congregation to 
Hempstead, L. I., where he died in 1663. He is described 
as " an able man and an excellent preacher," " a little man 
with a great soul, whose well accomplished mind in his lesser 
body, was an Iliad in a nut-shell." He left in manuscript a 
system of Divinity entitled Soliloquia Sacra, which consid- 
ered man in his four-fold state, his " created purity, — con- 
tracted deformity, — restored beauty, and celestial glory." 
" Fifteen acres of land" were " set out to Mr. Deynton and a 
friend of his" in Wethersfield, in 1640 ; ten of which were 
upon the east side of the river. This land, which was situa- 
ted at Nayaug, subsequently became the property of Mr. 
John Hollister.f 

Rev. John Sherman was born in Dedham, England, Dec. 
26, 1613, and educated at Cambridge University. He came 
to this country in 1634, and after being an assistant to Mr. 
Phillips of Watertown, came to Wethersfield, in 1635, and 
went to Milford in 1640, where he was chosen teaching elder 
in connection with Mr. Prudden, which office he declined. 
He preached only occasionally in Connecticut. On the 
death of Mr. Phillips, Mr. Sherman returned to Watertown 
in 1644. He died August 8th, 1685, aged seventy-one. He 
was twice married and had six children by his first wife, and 
twenty by his last. After his return to Massachusetts he 



* Good. F. G xxxviii. Lam. C. N. H. 101, 108. Math. Mag. Biii. c. 6, vol. 
I. p. 357. Trunib. I. 294. Brace, Hist. 1st Cong, Church Milford, p. 9. 

t Good. F. G. xxxviii. T. L. I. S.'ja. Math. Mag. Biii. c. 9, vol. I. p. 360. 
Trumb. C. R. I. 63. W. L. R. I. p. 75. 



32 

was a Fellow of Harvard College, and lectured for the stu- 
dents for nearly thirty years. He was an excellent theolo- 
gian, and an eminent mathematician, and published several 
Almanacs with pious reflections. His preaching was plain 
and simple, generally extempore and yet pervaded by an un- 
affected loftiness of style and brilliancy of imagination. 

Rev. Josiah Sherman, second minister of the second 
society in Milford, was great-grandson of this man. He 
graduated at Nassau Hall 1754, received the honorary degree 
of M. A. at Harvard, 1758, and at Yale, 1765. After having 
been settled at Woburn, Mass., about fifteen years, he was 
installed at Milford, Aug. 23d, 1775, dismissed June 21, 1781. 
He died at Woodbridge, Nov. 24th, 1789. The Hon. Roger 
Minot Sherman of Connecticut, b. 1773, died 1845. was his 
son, and he married Elizabeth Gould, born 1774, died 1848, 
daughter of Hon. James Gould of Litchfield, (born 1770, 

died ,) whose wife was Mary Guy, born 1737, died 1816 ; 

who was the daughter of Stephen Foote, born 1672, died 
1762; who was the son of Robert Foote of Wethersfield, 
born 1627, died 1681, who was the son of Nathaniel Foote, 
the first settler of Wethersfield.* 

REV. HENRY SMITH, 1641—1648. 
After the removal of Messrs. Prudden, Denton and Sherman, 
the Rev. Henry Smith seems to have been the only remaining 
minister. Various reasons lead us to suppose that the Church 
was now reorganized, and that he was installed over them. 
He was properly the first settled minister of Wethersfield. But 
though a large body of planters had left, some going to Mil- 
ford in 1639, with Rev. Messrs. Prudden and Sherman ; others 
to Stamford in 1640, with Rev. Mr. Denton ; some restless 
spirits still remained, and another difficulty arose among the 
inhabitants of so grievous a nature that they deemed it ad- 
visable to apply to the General Court for advice. The court 

* Lam. C. N. H. 90, 101, lOS. Allen. B. D. 691. Tmmb. C. R. 2, 49, ^03. 
Math. Mag. Biii. c. 29. vol. I. pp. 461 — 467. Hon. R. M. Sherman supposed 
his father's great-grandfather to be Capt. John, and not Rev. John Sherman, but 
as we are unable to reconcile the history with itself oh this supposition, we 
have followed the statements of the books referred to. 



33 

appointed a committee to inquire into the matter, who made 
the following Report, April 13th, 1643. 

" The coppy of the opinion of the comittee vppon the petition of those of 
Wethersfield. 

" The petition of those of Wethersfield hath bine taken into sadde and 
serious consideration, and we doe find the distance and differences to be ex- 
ceeding great, and some of the such as will necessarily require publique ex- 
aminatio and censure, so that till then we cannot express o' judgments con- 
serneing p' ticulars : We find also that many of these who put vp their names 
for remoueall were not induced thereunto by any dislike, or ingadgement they 
liaue in the p'sent quarrells but for want of lotts and other considerations ; 
yet vppon the vew of the generall, conceaueing yt will be disaduantaglous to 
the publique and vncomfoi-table if not distructiue to themselues that so many 
as are interested in the p'sent differences should remoue and vppon other 
considerations, we are of opinion that the best way for recouering and 
p'^searueing the publique peace is that Mr. Smith la}- downe his place if yt 
may be done according to God."* 

This opinion was approved by the General Com-t, and a 
copy of it given to Mr. Smith for his answer, with the re- 
quest, that if it was not satisfactory to him he would point 
out some other course. That the course suggested did not 
meet his approbation, is evident from the fact that on the 0th 
of July, the Court ordered all persons aggrieved to reduce 
their particular grievances or wrongs to writing, and to fur- 
nish Mr. Smith with a copy within three weeks, that he 
might have his answer in readiness for the Court in Septem- 
ber. The case came on for final hearing, Nov. 10th, 1643, 
when upon a full hearing, it was found that most of the 
charges against Mr. Smith were mistakes, and that he had 
been much wronged both by false reports and unjust surmises. 
It was also ordered that — 

" Mr. ChapHn, for divulging and setting his hand to a paper called a dec- 
laration, tending to the defamation of Mr. Smith, is fined £lO. 

" Francis Norton, for setting his hand to the said writing, is fined £5. 

" John Goodridge, for setting his hand to said writing, is fined 40*-. 

" Mr. Plum, for preferring a roll of grievances against Mr. Smith, anol 
failing of proof in the prosecution thereof, is fined £lO. 

*T. C. R. I. 87. 



34 

" Robert Rose, for joining with Mr. Plum, is fined 405. 

" And that a writing shall be prepared and openly read in the several 
towns, for the clearing Mr. Smith, and an order made of £ 1 fine for who- 
soever shall be convicted under two witnesses, to divulge any the said griev- 
ances to his defamation." 

The decided stand taken by the General Court seems to 
have caused things to remain quiet, though all were not sat- 
isfied, and a company went to Branford and commenced a 
settlement the year following, 1644. During the remainder 
of Mr. Smith's ministry, nothing important is known to have 
occurred. He died in 1648, grieved and wearied with the bur- 
dens of the world. 

It was during the ministry of ]\Ii'. Smith, (1646) that Mary 
Johnson, who seems to have resided at Wethersfield, was 
publicly whipped, first at Hartford, and then at Wethersfield, 
for theuery, or witchcraft; and who in 1648 was indicted for 
" familiarity with the devil."* 

Rev. Henry Saiith probably arrived in this country in 
1637, as he and his wife were admitted to full communion 
with the first Church in Charlestown, Mass., December 5th, 
of that year. He was residing at Wethersfield previous to 
the division of lots on this side of the river in 1639-40, and 
received a farm here of considerable size, which descended 
to his son Samuel, a name that was perpetuated for many 
years in this town. Samuel Smith, a grandson of Rev. H. 
Smith, who was among the early settlers of Suffield, married 
Jerusha, daughter of Rev. Increase Mather, gi-and-daughter 
of Rev. Richard Mather and John Cotton, and sister of Rev. 
Cotton Mather. Rev. Cotton Mather Smith was son of 
Samuel and Jerusha Smith, born, Suffield, Oct. 16th, 1731 ; 
graduated at Yale, 1751 ; ordained over the" Congregational 
Church in Sharon, Aug. 1755, where he remained until his 
death, in 1806. The Hon. John Cotton Smith, LL. D., son 
of the last mentioned person, was born at Sharon, Feb. 12th, 
1756, graduated at Yale, 1783, admitted to the bar 1786, 
member of Congress from 1800 to 1806, and Governor of the 
State from 1812 to 1817, President of the A. B. C. F. M. 

• T. C. R. I. 143, 171. 



35 

from 1836 to 1841, and of the Am. Bib. Soc. from 1831 to 
his death, Dec. 7th, 1845.* The Hon. John Cotton Smith is 
grandson of the last mentioned individual. 

REV. JOHN EUSSELL, 1650—1659. 
After the death of Mr. Smith, the church in Wethersfield 
called John Russell, Jr., whose father removed from Cam- 
bridge, Mass., somewhere between 1635 and 1645. He was 
born in England, graduated at Harvard, 1645, settled at 
Wethersfield about 1650. The early part of his ministry 
seems to have been quiet, but the " Hartford Controversy," 
as it was called, beginning to rage at this time, Mr. R. and 
part of his church, became involved in it. What the pre- 
cise nature of the controversy was, Cotton Mather says it was 
difficult even at the time to tell, and Trumbull bears testimony 
to the same effect. It was supposed, however, to involve some 
vital points in the nature of Congregationalism, Rev. Mr, 
Stone, of Hartford, taking the Presbyterian, and his ruling 
Elder, Mr. Goodwin, the Independent view of the matter. 
The question was virtually, that of increasing the power of 
the clergy as against the people, and hence the reason why 
it spread so rapidly throughout the colony. Mr. Russell, so 
far as we can judge from his practice, seems to have held 
substantially the views of Mr. Stone ; for in keeping with 
Mr. Stone's definition of Congregationalism, (" A speaking 
aristocracy in the face of a silent democracy,") Mr. Russell 
proceeded to excommunicate Lieut. Hollister, in 1656, from 
the church in Wethersfield, privately as would seem, certain- 
ly without the usual notice and trial, and subsequently re- 
fused to give the reasons for the act when demanded by Mr. 
Hollister. Lieut. H. brought the matter before the General 
Court, of which he was a member, and obtained an order 
that Mr. Russell should give the reasons of the course which 
had been pursued. No record of the reasons, or of any sub- 
sequent action upon them, are known to exist; but it seems 
reasonable to infer from various facts, that Lieut. H. was 



* Good. G. F. xxxviii. and ix, T. C R. I. 70-9S and 502. Conn Evan" 
:ag. Ap. 1S09. Kilb. Litch. Biog. 107-117. "' 



36 

excommunicated, not for any defect of moral or religious 
character, but for charging Mr. R. with having sworn falsely 
in some case in which he had been called to testify. This 
case was tried sometime previous to Aug. 1658, for at the 
General Court, held on the 18th of that month, John Hol- 
LisTER preferred a petition to the Court, alleging that Mr. 
R. " had taken a scandalous oath, which he had acknowl- 
edged as ambiguous, rash and sinful, whereby the inhabit- 
ants were afraid to adventure themselves under his ministry," 
praying for leave to set up a congregation for separate wor- 
ship. This petition was signed by John Hollister, Thom- 
as Wright, Sen., John Deming, Sen. ; John Edwards, Sen., 
Rich. Smith, Sen., and j&ve other members of the church, fe- 
males. The Court refused to grant the petition, but censured 
Mr. Russell for carelessness. The excommunication being 
subsequent to this, seems to have grown out of it. This, 
with the order of the Court next year, compelling IVIr. Rus- 
sell to render reasons for excommunicating Lieut. H., seems 
to have given great offence to Mr. R. and his friends, and 
they soon after resolved to leave this colony, and remove into 
the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, which they did in the 
course of the year 1659. A large majority of the members 
of the church joined in this act, leaving the remaining mem- 
bers, so few, and in such a disorganized state, as to raise 
doubts in the minds of many whether the church had not 
become extinct at Wethersfield. The individuals who went 
to Hadley with Mr. Russell, are mentioned in a list given on 
a subsequent page. The General Court, in order to remedy 
the evils growing out of this state of things, at its session, 
March 14th, 1661, resolved, that inasmuch as there was a 
church orderly gathered in Wethersfield, by the full allow- 
ance of the Court and magistrates then in power, and by the 
consent and approbation of neighboring churches, the re- 
moval of members did not destroy the church, and there- 
fore the " Court doth hereby declare that the said Church is 
the true and undoubted Church of Christ in Wethersfield, 
and so to be accounfted and esteemed." 

Mr. Russell and his congregation, being joined by a body 



37 

of people from Hartford, they removed and planted the town 
of Hadley, of which he was the first minister, and where he 
died, Nov. 10th, 1692, aged about 67. He left two sons. 
Jonathan, graduated at Harvard, 1675, settled at Barnstable-^ 
Mass., died Feb. 21st, 1711, aged 56 ; and Samuel, graduated 
at Harvard, 1681, settled at Branford, 1687, died June 25th, 
1731, aged 71.* 

MILITARY ORGANIZATION EAST OF THE RIVER. 
It was during the ministry of Mr. Russell at Wethersfield, 
May 18th, 1653, that the General Court passed the following 
Act, which was the first grant of corporate power of any de- 
scription, to people on the east side of the river ; the first dis- 
tinct recognition of them as an independent body, for any 
purpose whatever : 

" The inhabitants on the East side of the Great River, are exempted from 
training with the Towns on the West side, this present time, and are to meet 
on the East side, as Will: Hill shall appoint, and train there together, and so 
continue on their training days until the Court take further order : And 
Will: Hill is to return the names of those that do not meet according to ap- 
pointment, as notice shall be given them." 

As we find no repeal of this order, it seems to have remain- 
ed in force until the incorporation of the town in 1690, and 
hence, the first military organization for the defence of the 
people on this side of the river, dates from May 18th, 1653, 
two centuries from the present time ; and taken in connec- 
tion with other events, forms a very appropriate and proper 
beginning of our independent history. 

REV. JOHN COTTON, 1660—1663. 

After the removal of Mr. Russell, the Rev. John Cotton, 
Jr., was employed at Wethersfield, and remained there until 
1663. He was born at Boston, March, 1 3th, 1640, and gradif- 
ated at Harvard, 1657. From 1664 to 1667, he preached to the 
whites and Indians on Martha's Vineyard, and thus obtained 
a very good knowledge of the Indian language. His vocab- 



• Biog. Rev. J. R. Am. Q. R. viii. 140, 41. Trum. H. C. I. 309, 10. Trum. 
C. R. I. 318-363. Good. F. G. xvii. A.Q. R. xv. 63, 64. Hin. Pur. 97. 



38 

ulary of Indian words is exceedingly valuable for the study 
of the native languages of New England. In 1667, he re- 
moved to Plymouth, where he remained thirty years. In 
1697, he asked for a dismission, and the year following was 
settled at Charleston, S. C, where he died Sept. 18th, 1699, 
aged 59.* 

REV. JOSEPH HAYNES, 1663—1664. 
Rev. Joseph Haynes, son of Gov. Haynes of Hartford, 
graduated at Harvard, 1658, supplied the pulpit at Weth- 
ersfield in 1663 and 1664. During the latter year he was 
called to the first Congregational Church in Hartford. He 
died May 14th, 1679, aged 38. He married Sarah, daughter 
of Richard Lord, who was son of Thomas Lord, one of the 
first settlers of Hartford. She was born 1638 and died 1705.f 



Rev. Thomas Buckingham, son of Thomas B. of New 
Haven, and subsequently of Milford, born Nov., 1646, preach- 
ed a short time at Wethersfield, for which the town voted to 
pay " 20 shillings a week." He was subsequently settled at 
Saybrook, and died April 1st, 1709, aged 62.J 

1664—1666. 

Rev. Jonathan Willoughby, according to Mr. Goodwin, 
son of Lieut. Gov. "Willoughby of Massachusetts, preached in 
Wethersfield from September, 1664, to the spring of 1666. 
There seems to be great doubt as to his being the son of 
Gov. Willoughby. Among the ministers who came from 
England to this country between 1620 and 1687, was " Rev. 
Jonathan Willaubee," of whose identity with the person 
above mentioned, there can be little doubt. He preached at 
Wethersfield up to the spring of 1666, and between that and 
1668, he ofiiciated at Haddam for a short season. His sub- 



• Allen, 311, 312; Good. F. G. xxxix. His Vocabulary is in Mass. Hist. 
Col. .3d Series, Vol. H. pp. 155-257. 

t Allen. 446 ; Good. F. G. xxxix. ; Trumb. H. C. I. 492; Porter's Notices, 8 
t Allen, 180 ; Good. F. G. xxxix. ; Trumb. H. C. I. 492. 



39 

sequent history is unknown. Farmar supposes him to have 
been a Scotchman.* 

1666. 
Rev. Samuel Stone, son of Rev. S. S., second minister of 
Hartford, preached at Wethersfield for a time after the re- 
moval of Mr. Willoughby, and also while Mr. Bulkley, who 
succeeded, was absent as surgeon in the Indian wars. He 
subsequently preached at Simsbury from 1673 to 1679. He 
died soon after, in consequence of falling from a bridge in 
Hartford.f 

7 436- IC>?1 

REV. GERSHOM BULKLEY, 16)^6—1677. '' 

Rev. Gershom Bulkley, son of Rev. Peter Bulkley of 
Concord, Mass., born Dec. 26th, 1635, — graduated at Har- 
vard 1659, settled in New London, 1661, installed at Weth- 
ersfield 1666, dismissed 1677, died at Glastenbury, Dec. 2d, 
1713. His mother died, as was supposed, on her passage, to 
this country, but at the urgent request of the husband the 
body was kept three days beyond the time appointed for 
committing it to the deep, when signs of vitality returned, 
and she at length recovered. Her son Gershom was born 
soon after her arrival. After leaving college he studied 
divinity and medicine, and settled at New London. Some 
difference of opinion having arisen between him and his 
people in regard either to doctrine or discipline, he resigned 
his place. After being installed at Wethersfield, he was ap- 
pointed by the General Court in 1675, surgeon to the army 
that had been raised against the Indians, and Mr. Stone was 
directed to supply the place of Mr. B. in his absence. 



* Am. Quar. Reg. V. 202, 203 ; Good. F. G. xxxix. ; Field. Stat. Ac. Mid. 
Co. 69. 

t Col. Rec. II. 277 ; Phelps' Simsbury, 49, 50 ; Good. F. G. xxxix. Mr. G. 
has fallen into several errors in regard to Mr. S., making hira to have been 
settled atSimsbury previously to preaching in Wethersfield in 1665, whereas he 
began to preach in Simsbury in 1673, and was never settled there. Mr. G. 
also makes Mr. S. die July 20, 1673, aged 60, whereas he preached at Sims- 
bury until 1679, and his death, " July 20, 1673," is probably a mistake for his 
father's death, " July 20, 1663." Allen, 708. 



40 

After his return from King Philip's war, he asked a dismis- 
sion from the church in Wethersfield, removed to the east 
side of the river, and commenced practice as a physician, 
which he continued over thirty years. 

As a minister, Mr. B. was of the first class, while as a phy- 
sician he stood at the head of the profession. He devoted 
much time to chemistry with its useful researches, and to 
plfilosophy as a cardinal branch of medical knowledge. 
Even to alchemy, with its visionary speculations, then so 
closely allied to chemistry, he seems to have paid considera- 
ble attention. He was master of several languages, among 
which may be reckoned the Greek, Latin and Dutch. He 
was famous as a surgeon, preeminent as a chemist, and high- 
ly respected as a magistrate. 

As a magistrate and statesman, his sympathies were not 
always on the popular side. He was a man of peace, but 
at the same time was one who expected unqualified obedi- 
ence to authority. A slight questioning of this led to his 
resignation of the parish of New London, and something of 
the kind may have operated at Wethersfield. At least, as a 
politician, he was opposed to the assumption of the govern- 
ment by the colonial authorities in 1689, after the time of Sir 
Edmund Andrus. The political sagacity and foresight of 
Mr. B. enabled him to foresee, that the course the colonists 
were pursuing, would finally lead to the triumph of those 
democratical principles which they all disavowed, and con- 
sequently he set his face against them. In 1689, he publish- 
ed, at Philadelphia, a pamphlet on the affairs of Connecticut, 
but no copy of it is known to exist in this country. The 
same year (1689) he wrote a work with the curious title ; 
Will and Doom, or the miseries of Connecticut by and un- 
der a usurped and arbitrary power ; being a narrative of the 
first erection and exercise, but especially of the late chang'es 
and administration of government in .their Majesties Colony 
of New England in America. This work was never printed, 
but was sent to England by the Governor of New York 
some dozen years after, as the most reliable account of New 
England to be found. 



Dorothy, 


b. 


Charles, 


b. 


Peter, 


b. 


Edward, 


b. 


John, 


b. 



41 

He married Sarah, daughter of President Chauncey, by 
whom he had, — 

Catherine, b. m. Treat, left a dau. Catherine. 

m. Thomas Treat of Nayaug, and had eight children. 

■ licenced a physician, N. L., 1687. 

■ m. Rachel Talcott, lost at sea, 1701, aged thirty-seven. 

m. Dorothy had eight children, d. Aug. 27, 1748. 

grad. at Harv. 1699, settled at Colchester 1 703, d. June, 

1 731. He was distinguished as a minister and physician, and a man of sound 
judgment and discrimination. He married Patience Prentice of New Lon- 
don, and had five sons and four daughters. The descendants of Mr. Bulklev 
held prominent places in the civil and ecclesiastical departments of the 
colony for a long period, and many are still adorning the various walks of 
life. 

" Lt. Thomas Treat of Nayaug,"m. Dorothy Bulkley, July 5th, 1693, and had 
14,1694. 

28, 1696, m. Sarah Gardiner, 1727. 
3, 1699, m. Mary Hopson, 1726, and had eleven 

5, 1701, m. Rebecca Bulkley, his cousin, 1730. 
28, 1 704, m. wid. Hannah Benton about 1 753. 
28, 1704. 
21, 1707, m. Joseph Tryon, 1729. 

9. 1710, m. Joseph Stephens 1733, d. 1735. 

Mr. Bulkley is also identified with the history of the Nau- 
buc farms, by the great case of Bulkley and Hollister, which 
was before the General Court in 1684 and 1685, and which 
led to a re-survey of all the " lots" from Hartford line to Nay- 
aug, by order of the General Court, and which has been 
preserved in the Archives of the State. The papers pre- 
served relative to this case, are of importance to the history 
of the Town.* 

The actual political strength of this town, during the min- 

* Caulk. 131-140. Allen, 1S7, ISS. T. C. R. 1. 346, 492, II. 86, 271, 277. 
Doct. Sum ne r's Notices of Early Phys. Conn. 27-30. Am. Quar. Reg. IX. 360. 
H. P. 3S0-3S7. Church Review, I. 135. S. P. Conn. Pr. Cent. III. 115-140, 
G. L. R. VI. 15, etc. 

During the ministry of Mr. Bulkley, Katharine Harrison was indicted, tried 
and found guilty of witchcraft (1670.) The Gen. Court refused to pass sen- 
tence of death, bvit set her at liberty, on condition she should leave town. C. 
R. II. 132. 



Richard, 


b. May, 


Charies, 


b. Feb. 


Thomas, 


b. May, 


Isaac, 


b. Aug. 


Dorothfeus 


3, b. Aug. 


Dorothy, 


b. Aug. 


Sarah, 


b. July, 


Mary, 


b. Jan. 



42 

istry of Mr. Bulkley, may be inferred from the following list 
of persons who are known to have been resident in the town, 
previous to 1673, when the second purchase was made of the 
Indians. This list shows, 

(1) The purchasers of Eastbury, and the amount of their 
tax. 

(2) Those who left for other places, the name being in 
Italic. 

(3) Those who owned land in the first purchase, before 
1670, name in small caps. 

(4) Those who were Freemen of the Town in 1669, a star 
(*) added to the name. 

KESIDENTS IN WETHERSFELD FROM 1634 TO 1673. 
Ahhott, Robert. H. P. S. 164, went to Branford. 
Atwood, Thomas, made freemen 1669. Col. Rec. II. 111. 
Baker, Thomas, went to Milfbrd. Lamb. 89. 
Barratt, Samuel. H. P. S. 164. 
Bascum, AVilliam. H. P. S. 164. 

Bates, Robert, went to Stamford, d. 1675. H. P. 232. 
Beckly, John, 25. l^d. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 
*Beckly, Richard. C. R. II. 520. 
Beedle, Robert. H. P. S. 164. 

*Belden, John, 6s. lUd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 
Belden Richard, went to New London. Caulk. 67. 
Betts, George, went to Guilford. H. P. 152. 
Betts, John, 3s. Ad. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 
Bennett, Joseph. H. P. S. 164. 

Benton, Edward, 3s. Zd. Lived on this side of the river. 
Biggs, William. H. P. S. 165. 
Birdseye, ./oAn, went toMilford, d. 1649. Lamb. 89. 
Bishop, John, went to Guilford. 

Blackleach, John, 4s. 3d. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 
*Boarman, Isaac. Col. Rec. II. 520. 
Boannan, Nathaniel, made freeman 1669. C. R. II. 111. 
Boarman, AVm., went to Guilford. 
♦Boarman, Samuel. Col. Rec. II. 520. 

Boar [d] man. Widow, 9s. ^d. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 
Bolt, Fra77cis, went to Mlford, d. 1649. Lamb. 89. 
Boltwood, Robert, went to Iladlcy. II. P. 97. 
BoosEY, James. Col. Rec. I. 30, etc. etc. 
Boosey, Joseph. H. P. S. 164. 
BoswELL James, lived in Hartford. 



43 

Botsford, Henry, went to Milford, d. 1C86. Lamb. 89. 

Bramfield, Wm. H. P. S. 164. 

Bristo, Nathaniel, went to Milford. 

Brunson, John, made freeman 1669. Col. Rec. II. 111. 

Brundish, John. Col. R. I. 45. 

Bri/an, Alexander, went to Milford 1679. Lamb. 89. 

Buck, Enoch, 7s. Od. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Buck, Emmanuel. H. P. 364. 

*Buck, Henry, 5s. 2i<Z. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Bulkier, Enoch. H. P. S. 164. 

Bulkley, Gershom, Is. lOhd. Lived on this side of the river. 

Burrows, B., went to New London. Caulk. 67. 

Biiru-ell, John, went to Milford, d. 1649. Lamb. 89. 

Butler, Nathaniel, 2s. Old. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Butler, Samuel, 3s. 3 J J. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Camp, Nicholas, went to Milford, d. 1706. Lamb. 89. 

Chaplain, Clement. H. P. S. 164. 

Chappel, George. H. P. S. 164. 

Chester, Dorothy. H. P. S. 164. 

Chester, John, 17s. 8d. Owned laud in Eastbury, 1673. 

Chester, Leonard. Col. Rec. I. 75. 

*Chester, Stephen, 2s. 6d. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Church, Josiah. Col. Rec. II. 520. 

Churchill, Josiah, 9s. 9d, Owned land in Eastbury 1673. 

Clar/c, George, went to Milford, d. 1690. Lamb. 89. 

ClarL; G. Jr. went to ISIilford, d. 1690. Lamb. 89. 

Clark, Samuel, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Coe, Robert, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Colefax, William. H. P. S. 164. 

Coley, Samuel, went to Milford, d. 1684. Lamb. 89. 

Coleman, Noah, 5s. OJ. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Coleman, Thomas, went to Hadley. H. P. 97. 

*Coltman, John. H. P. S. 164. Col. Rec. II. 520. 

Cooper, Thomas. Col. Rec. L 142. 

Couch, Thomas, Is. 6f/. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Crahb, Richard, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. - . 

*Crane, Benjamin, 4s. 5^^. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Curtice, John, 3s. Ad. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Curtice, Thomas, 7s. lOd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Deming, John Sen'r, 9s. bd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Demes-g, John Jr. 5s. Id. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Deming, Jonathan, amount of tax torn off. 

Denton, Rev. Richard, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Dickinson, John, went to Hadley. H. P. 97. 

Dickinson, Nathaniel, went to Hadley. H. P. 97. 



44 

Dickinson, Tliomas, went to Hadley. H. P. 97. 

Dickinson, William. H. P. S. 164. 

Z>iz, Leonard, 5s. 5Jf/, went to Milford, d. 1681. Lamb. 89. 

Edwards, Johx, 2s. 6d. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Edward*, Joseph, Is. 2id. Lived on this side of the river. 

*Edwards, Thomas. Col. Rec. I and II. 

Elsen, Abraham. Col. Rec. I. 477. 

Fenner, Thomas. Col. Rec. I. 479. 

Ferris, Jeffrey, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Finch, Abraham, killed by the Indians. 

Finch, Daniel, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Finch, John, killed by the Indians. 

Fletcher, John, went to Milford, d. 1662. Lamb. 89. 

Flood, Robert, Is. id. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Foster, Nathaniel. H. P. S. 164. 

Fowler, John, went to Guilford. 

FooTE, Nathaniel, d. 1644- 

FoOTE, Nathaniel, Jr., bought Colchester of the Indians. 

*Francis, Robert, 3s. lid. Owned land in Eastbury, 16 73. 

GiBBS, John, went to New Haven. Gen. Ren. I. 157. 

* Gilbert, Joslah. Lived on this side of the river. 

GiLDERSLEEVE, RiCHARD, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

*GooDRicu, John, Sen'r, 7s. 8d. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Goodrich, Ensign [Wm.] 9s. Gd. • Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Goofe, Philip, whence Goofe's-brook. 

Graves, John. Col. Rec. L 256. 

*Graves, Nathaniel, 2s,. S'^d., went to Springfield. . 

*Griswold, Michael, 4s. 10|(Z. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Griswold, Thomas, Is. 7 id. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Gunn, Dr. Jasper, went to Milford, d. 1670. Lamb. 89. 

*Hale, Samuel, Sen'r, went to Norwalk, but returned. 

*Hale, Samuel, Jr. Lived on this side of the river. 

*Hale, John, 2s 2d. Lived on this side of the river. 

Hansett, Thomas. H. P. S. 165. 

Harris, Richard. H. P. S. 164. 

Hairrson, John. H. P. S. 164. 

Harvey, Edward, went to Milford, d. 1648. Lamb. 89. 

Hatly, Philip, went to Milford. Lamb. 89. 

Highland, George, went to Guilford. 

Hilter, John. H. P. S. 165. 

HoLLisTER, John, Sen'r, 6s. Hid. Lived on this side of the river. 

HoLLisTER, John, Jr. 10s. 4id. Lived on this side of the river. 

Hollister, Joseph. Lived on this side of the river. - 

Hollister, Thomas, amount of tax torn ofi'. 

Hubbard, George, went to Milford and Guilford. L. 89, 91. 

Hubbard, Thomas. H. P. S. 164. 



45 

Hunn, Nathaniel, Is. 4Jcf. Owned land iu Eastbury, 1673. 

*HuRLBUKT, Thomas, 5^. Ad. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Ireland, Samuel. H. P. S. 164. 

Jagger, Jeremiah^ went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Jessup, John, went to Stamford. H. P. 18. 

Johnson, Jacob, 3s. 7^(/. Owned land iu Eastbury, 1673. 

Johnson, John. H. P. S. 164. 

*Keeney, Alexander. H. P. S. 165. 

KiLBORX, Frances, Wid. Lliyed this side the river. 

*KiLBORN, John, 8s. 5f/. Lived this side of the river. 

*KiMBERLY, Eleazer, 2s. Qhd. Lived this side of the river. 

Kirbe, John. H. P. S. 165. 

*Kirkham, Thomas. Col. I. 263. 

Landon, Andrew. H. P. S. 165. 

Lane, John, went to Milford, d. 1669. Lamb. 89. 

Lake, Hitchcock [? Luke Hitchcock ?] 

Lattimore, John, Wid. 16s. 10\d. Lived this side, a while. 

Lawrence, Thomas, went to Milford, d. 1648. Lamb. 89. 

Lata, Richard, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Lilly, John. H. P. S. 165. 

Lord, Thomas. Col. E,ec. H. 83. 

*Martin, Mr. Sen'r, 2s. Bd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Mason, Edward. H. P. S. 165. Col. Rec. L 57. 

Miller, John. H. P. S. 165. 

Mitchell, Matthew, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Montague, Richard. H. P. S. 165. 

*Morris, AVilliam, amount of tax torn off. 

Munn, Benjamin. H. P. S. 165. 

Northend, John, went to Stamford. H. P. 18. 

Norton, Francis. Col. Eec. I. 97. 

*Nott, John, 7s. Gld. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Palmer, John, Col. Kec. I. 308. 

Parke, Roijert, went to New London. Caulk. 66. 

Pierce, Edward. H. P. S. 165. 

Pierce, John. H. P. S. 165. 

Plumb, John, went to New London. Caulk. 265. 

Plum, Joseph. H. P. S. 165. 

Prudden, Rev. Peter, went to Milford, d. 1656. Lamb. 89, 

Rayner, Thurston, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Reynolds, John. H. P. S. 165. 

Richard, James, 3s. Ikd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Riley, Richard. H. P. S. 165. 

*RiLEY, John, Sen'r, 8s. %hd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Robbins, John, 4s. 3irf. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Robbins, Joshua, 3s. &\d. Owned land in Eastbury 1673. 

Rose, Robert. H. P. S. 165. Col. Reef 1. 43. 



46 

*Rose, Daniel, 3s. 3d. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 
Russel, John, went to Hadley. H. P. 9 7. 
Eussel, Rev. John, Jr., went to Hadley. H. P. 97. 
*Sadler, John. Lived this side the river. 
Sanford, Thomas, went to Milford, d. 1681. Lamb. 89. 
Scot, John, Os. lQ\d. Owned land in Eastbury. 
Seaman, John, went to Stamford. H. P. 19. 
Seeley, Robert. H. P. S. 155. 

Sherman, Rev. John, went to Milford and Watertown. 
Sherman, Joseph, owned land in Glastenbury, 1673. 
Sherman, Samuel, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 
Smiking, Vincent, went to Stamford. H. P. 1 8. 
Smith, Rev. Henry, first minister Wethersfield and Glastenbury. 
Smith, Henry, went to Stamford. H. P. 10. 
*Smith, Jonathan, bs. Qui. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 
*Smith, Joseph. 

Smith, Philip, went to Hadley. H. P. 97. 
Smith, Philip, lis. Od. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 
Smith, Samuel, Sen'r, went to Hadley. H. P. 97. 
*Smith, Richard, Sen'r, IO5. 4.\d. Owned land in Glastenbury and 
Eastbury, 1673. 

*Smith, Richard, Jr. Col. Rec. H. 520. 

Smith, William. Col. Rec. L 128. 

Spencer, Obadiah, Is. llul. Owned land in Eastbury. 

*Standisli, Thomas, 5s. Od. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Stanton, Thomas. H. P. S. 165. 

Stoddar, John, Is. Ihd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Stoddar, Joshua, Is. id. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Stoddar, widow, 3s. 6fZ. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Stott, Edward. H. P. S. 165. 

SwAiNE, William, went to Branford. Gen. Reg. HI. 154. 

Taintor, Charles. H. P. S. 165. 

Talcott, John. Lived in Hartford. 

*Talcott, Samuel, 9s. \l\d. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Taylor, William. H. P. S. 165. 

Thomson, John, owned land in Glastenbury 1673. 

Tinker, John. Col. Rec. I. 82. etc. 

Tompkins, Micah, went to Milford. 

Tracy, Thomas. H. P. S. 165. 

*Treat, James, 10s. Ghd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Treat, Richard, Sen'r, went to Milford. 

*Treat, Richard, Jr., 8s. 5d. Lived this side the river. 

Treat, Robert, went to Milford. 

Trott, Richard. Col. Rec. L 75. 

Turner, Ephraim. II. P. S. 165. 



47 

Uffoot, Thomas, went to Mllford— name now Ufford. 

*Waddams, John, 4s. 4.if/. Owned land in Eastbury. 

Wakely, Goodman. 

Waterhouse, Jacob. Col. Eec. I. 40, etc. 

Ward, Andreiv, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Warner, William, 2s. Qd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Wastecoat, Richard. Col. Rec. I. 40. etc. 

Weekes, TJiomas, went to Hadley but returned. 

Welles, Mr. Sen'r, Is. Id. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

* Welles, Hugh, 4s. lOd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 
Welles, Robert. 

Welles, John, 6s. 2d. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

*Welles, Samuel, 8s. 7UL Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Welles, Thomas, went to Hadley. H. P. 97. 

Westfall, Richard. H. P. S. 165. 

Whitmore, John, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

*Wickham, Thomas, Sen'r, 5s. Zd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Wickham, Thomas, Jr., Is. \ld. Lived this side, probably. 

*Willard, Josias, 4s. 4c?. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Willis, George, [of Hartford.] 

Willis, Samuel, lOs. Qd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Williams, Amos, Is. llkd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Williams, Thomas, 3s. Qd. Owned land in Eastbury, 16 73. 

Wood, Jonas, Jr., went to Stamford. H. P. 18. 

Wood, Jeremiah, went to Stamford. H. P. 18. 

Wood, Jonas, Sen'r, went to Stamford. H. P. 232. 

Wood, Edmund, went to Stamford. H. P. 18. 

Wright, Anthony, 2s. Id. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

* Wright, [James,] 6s. 1(/. Lived on the island. 
*Wright, [Joseph,] 3s. 10c?. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

* Wright, Samuel, 5s. 5c?. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673, 
*Wright, Thomas, Sen'r. 

*Wright, Thomas, Jr., lis. Qd. Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Yates, Francis, went to Stamford. II. P. 18. 

Wolcott, Henry, 8s. M, Owned land in Eastbury, 1673. 

Additional names subsequent to 1673. 
Benjamin, Caleb, 80 acres, — 1674; from the Town. 
LovELAND, Thomas, 80 acres,— 1674; from the Town. 
Parsons, Joseph, 80 acres, — 1674 ; from the Town. 
Brattle, Thomas, 80 acres, — 1674 ; from the Town. 

REV. JOSEPH ROWLANDSON, 1677-1678. 
Rev. Joseph Rowlandson succeeded Mr, Bulkley, Mr. 
R. was son of Mr, Thomas R. born in England, graduated 



48 

at Harvard 1652, being the whole of the graduating class. 
He was settled at Lancaster, Mass, in 1656, where he re- 
mained until the burning of that town in 1676. He was in- 
stalled at Wethersfield, in 1677, and died Nov. 24th, 1678. 
While in his senior year in College, Mr. R. was guilty of 
writing a severe satire upon Envy, in which the authorities 
of the land were not treated with any great degree of respect, 
and which he caused to be affixed to the door of the meet- 
ing-house in Ipswich. For this he was arrested, charged 
with publishing a " scandalous libel," fined <£10, and cost, 
305. to be paid at a certain time, or to be whipt at the post. 
He married the daughter of Mr. John White of Lancaster, by 
whom he had several children. On the 10th of February, 
1676, a large body of Indians attacked Lancaster, burning 
the town and taking the people captive. Among these were 
Mrs. R. and the children. Mr. R. himself being absent from 
home escaped. His son Joseph, born March 7th, 1661, died 
January 22d, 1712, lived in Wethersfield, and his descend- 
ants were there for at least a century.* 

REV. JOHN WOODBRIDGE, 16 79—1691. 

Mr. John Woodbridge succeeded Mr. Rowlaildson in 
1679, and was minister of the place until his death in 1691. 
Mr. John Woodbridge was son of an English clergyman 
born at Stanton, England, 1613, came to America in 1634, 
and was settled at Newbury, 1635. He married Mary, 
daughter of Governor Dudley of Massachusetts, by whom 
he had twelve children. Of these John, born at Newbury, 
graduated at Harvard, 1664 ; settled at Killingly, Conn. 1664, 
and removed to Wethersfield, 1679. His brother Timothy, 
born 1656, graduated at Harvard, 1674; settled at Hartford, 
1685, where he remained until his death, April 30th, 1732. 
He married Mehitabel, daughter of Hezekiah Wyllis, and 
had a son Ashbel, of whom we shall have occasion hereafter 
to speak, as minister of Glastenbury. 

IVIr. John Woodbridge, left a son John, the seventh of the 

*Am. Q. Reg. Vol. IX. 112-115, and authorities there cited. 



49 

name in as many generations, who had been in the ministry. 
J. W. the 7th, was graduated at Harvard, 1694, settled at 
West Springfield, Mass. 1698, and died June, 1718, aged 40. 
He married Jemima Elliot, daughter of Rev. Joseph Elliot, 
and grand-daughter of John Eliot the Apostle to the Indians, 
Nov. 1699. He left several children, of whom two sons en- 
tered the ministry: John Woodbridge the 8th — graduated at 
Yale, 1726, settled, first at Windsor, and then at South Had- 
ley, died 1783; and Benjamin W.— graduated at Yale, 1740, 
settled at Woodbridge, died 1785.* 

It was during the ministry of Mr. Woodbridge that Glas- 
tenbury became a Town. Wethersfield had been enlarged 
in 1673, by the purchase of Eastbury, permission having been 
given by the General Court to do it, and a very large share 
remaining unappropriated. In 1667, permission had been 
given to Thomas Harris to build a saw-mill beyond the three 
mile' lots, and to have forty acres of land for the conven- 
ience of timber and the like. This grant having been con- 
veyed to Joseph Bull and John Bidwell, Jr., the Gen. Court 
in 1669, added two hundred acres more to the grant from the 
same territory. In 1668, the Gen. Court confirmed to Mr. 
Willis a hundred acres of land which he bought of Robert 
Boltwood, to whom it was given by an Indian named 
Rechaun, and the year following, (1669,) the court granted 
to Mr. Josiah Williard 100 acres of land to be laid out at 
AssAWASsuc. In 1670, the Court extended Mr. Willis' land 
a mile further east; and all the other lots tiventtj rods east, 
as compensation for six rods in width to be taken for a pub- 
lic highway from Hartford to Middletown. Tarrumuggas had 
also sold or given to Thomas Edwards two hundred acres of 
land ; which it is believed were the only grants in Eastbury, 
previous to its purchase by the Town.f 

The settlements on this side of the river, which were com- 



* Coffin's Newb. 358. Gen Reg. Janviary, 1S53. Trumb. H. C. 492. Good. 
F. G. XX. Port. Hart. 23, 24. Sprague's His. Dis. Springfield, 26, 27, 53, 54. 

t T. C. R. II. 78, 91, 97, 111, 124, 133, 144, 155, 171. 187. Conn. S. P. T. 
and L. VI. 39. 

4 



50 

menced previously to 1650, and numbered several household- 
ers before 1653, proceeded slowly until the close of the In- 
dian war of 1675-6, when they received an impulse that 
appears to have caused them to increase with rapidity, so 
that, before 1690, there were between thirty and forty house- 
holders here. In 1689, these petitioned the Town for per- 
mission to be set off as a distinct Town, as appears from the 
following vote. 

INCORPORATION OF GLASTENBURY. 

Vote of Wether sjield. 

"At a Town meeting held at Wethersfield, Dec. 26, 1689, it -was voted 
and agreed as follows, viz. [the original orthography not copied.] 

" That whereas our neighbors on ye E. side of the Great River desire to 
be discharged from bearing their part of tlie charge of Public Worship here 
in order to the setting up of the same amongst them — this Town having con- 
sidered the same, do see cause so far to grant their request, as to declare, that 
in case the General Court, (on their application to them [it] on sd ace.) 
shall see cause to grant them on the East side of the Great River — all the 
lands now belonging to our Town on that sd of the River, to be a township, — 
and the inhabitants there shall relinquish all their common rights on this West 
side of the Great River as inhabitants here, reserving each man's particular 
right here, and each person with us reserving his particular right there on 
the sd East side ; and also that the sd inhabitants shall continue part of this 
township, and shall contribute their proportion to all publick charges with 
us til such time as they shall have an allowed minister settled among them ; 
then, for their comfort and convenience we are contented to consent to their 
request that they may be a township."* 

PETITION TO THE GENERAL COURT. 
As preparatory to petitioning the General Court for an 
Act of incorporation, the following document was prepared 
and signed, to be laid before that body. 

" February : 13 : 1690. Att a metting of the inhabltanus one the eastsid 
of the grat Revuer blonging to weatheresfild it was agred that the maetting 
hous shold stand uppon John hubbords land one Samuell Smith his plaine 
[or what is now the Green] the a boue said Samuel Smith and John hubbord 
doe inga"-e to giue land conuenentt for metting hous as witinis onrs hands. 

•W. R. T. V. 106. 



51 

epherime goodridg, Richard Smith, 

Joseph Smith, , John holister, 

John harinton, Jonathan Smith, 

Thomas bruer, Samuel hall Jr., (Hale) 

ebnezer hall, (Hale) Samuel Smith, 

John Strickland, John hubbord, 

John hall, (Hale) Joseph hills, 

William hous, John Kilbornn, 

samuell hall, sen'r, (Hale) Samuel welles, 

patrack stearne, Thomas hall, (Hale) 

Richard Treatt, sen or, Richard Treat, Jr. 

Thomas Treatt, william wickham. 
This is true copi of the couenent mad february the 13, 1690. Substract- 
ed out of the originall may the 4, 1692."* 

CHANGES FROM 1690 TO 1693. 

This list does not include all the householders then living 
on this side of the river. At the final perfecting of the act 
of incorporation, by the building of a meeting house, in 1693, 
the names of John Harrington, Ebenezer Hale, Richard 
Treat, Sen'r and Jr., with Richard Smith, disappear ; Samuel 
Hall ceases to be Jr. on account of the death of his father, 
and we have besides, Jonathan and Benjamin Hale, Deac. 
Thomas HoUister, Joseph HoUister, Sen'r and Jr., Benjamin 
Smith, Thomas Loveland, Joseph Bidwell, Richard Fox, 
Nathaniel Talcott, Deac. Benjamin Talcott, Thomas Kim- 
berly, Daniel Wright, David HoUister, Edward Benton, 
Samuel Miller, Samuel Gaines, and Ephraim HoUister. The 
number of householders in 1693, must have been about 
thirty-four. These having petitioned the General Court in 
the May following, obtained an 

Act of Incorporation, in the following curious terms. 

" At a General Court held at Hartford, May 8th, 1690 ;— 
Whereas the inhabitants of the Town of Wethersfield, on the East side of 
Connecticut river, by the consent of the inhabitants of said Town did peti- 
tion this Court that they may be a township of themselves on the East side of 
Connecticut river, and may have liberty to provide a minister for themselves, 
which the Town haue granted to their neighbours on the East side. This 
Court see reason to grant their petition, but advise them to be cautious how 



G. Rec. I. 1. 



52 

they improve it, and that they shall pay their fair proportion to all public 
charges to said Wethersfield, till they have a good orthodox minister settled 
among them there on the East side of Connecticut river in Wethersfield." 

JOHN ALLYN, 

Secretary." 

REV. TIMOTHY STEVENS, 1693-1726. 
The first organization under this act, took place July 28th, 
1692, when a call was given to Rev. Timothy Stevens to 
settle among them in the work of the Gospel ministry, at 
X60 a year. The call was accepted by Mr. Stevens, who 
had been preaching some months previously in " Glassin- 
bury" as he was accustomed to write the name. No records 
of his ministry are known to exist, nor are the traditions of 
the man as distinct and vivid as might have been expected. 
He seems, however, to have been a quiet, discreet, peace lov- 
ing man, faithful in his office, but not specially energetic in 
those departments not immediately connected with his pro- 
fession. The following account of the salary paid him, and 
the manner in which it was paid, gathered out of the Town 
Records, affords convincing evidence of his conciliatory dis- 
position. It certainly required no little equanimity of mind 
and spirit, not be disturbed when, as 1715, the town charged 
him tivo shillings a bushel more for wheat paid on his salary^ 
than they allowed for it on taxes ; and one shilling a bushel 
more for corn and rye. The records, however, furnish no 
account of complaint or remonstrance on his part. He seems 
to have permitted his people to pay him what, and when, 
and as they pleased. Nor does he seem to have suffered in 
the end, by so doing, if we may judge from the extent of his 
property and possession. The parsonage, so called, near the 
meeting-house, with several acres of land in the vicinity, — a 
considerable tract on the meadows, — four hundred acres at 
Red Hil], and one hundred and fifty acres adjoining Middle- 
town bounds, — and one hundred acres at Diamond Pond, 
was the list of his real estate. 



53 



SALARY OF REV. TIMOTHY STEVENS. 



£60 



100 
100 



100 
100 



" Current money." If he remains, " will give 
him a good home lot, build him a suitable house, 
and give him five acres of meadow land." Also 
" one hundred and fifty acres of undivided land." 
Given also by John HoUister two acres Rockie 
Hill meadow. 

Mr. Treat, two acres of meadow adjoining. 

Ephraim Goodrich, one acre of meadow. 

Joseph Hill one acre of meadow. 

Jonathan Smith half of an acre of meadow. 

John Hubbard an acre. 

Samuel Smith part of an orchard, or two acres, 
of meadow. 

Thomas Hale, £5 current pay. 

William Wickham, £5 current pay. 

Thomas Brewer, 40 shillings current pay. 

Town voted to add £10 per annum to the sala- 
ry of Mr. S. after five years. 

Town to build Mr. S. " a girt dwelling-house 
40 feet by 20, with a good stack of chimneys, — 
Mr. S. finding nails and glass." 

" Every man that hath a team shall bring Mr. 
S. two loads of wood annually." 

"John Kilborn and Tho. Hale Sen'r to supply 
Mr. S. with wood, and to be allowed £7, 10s." 

" Those who have teams, to bring wood ; those 
who have not, to cut." 

" Men who do not comply with the above to 
pay 2s, 6d, for a man, and 5s for a team." 

At 2s, 6d, a load, those who fail, fined 3s. 

Wood the same as last year. 

Wood as last year except allowing only 2s a 
load. 

" In lieu of £70 formerly agreed upon." 

Towne " rate to be paid in Bills of credit, silver 
money or W. 4s, R. 3s, and C. 2s, per bushel." 

" Wood 2s this year, 2s, 6d next." 

" Those that cannot pay grain at sd price, shall 
pay the whole in money without abatement of 
one third." 

" Wood to be brought as usual,, select men to 
view it." 

" Those who cannot pay grain to pay money." 

On Town rate this year. " W. 5s, R. 3s, Hd, I. 
C. half a crown." 

" To be paid in the specice at the prices of last 
year." 

"To be in specises as was agreed last year." 

" Those that don't pay grain to pay mon- 
ey." 

" Grain or money." 

" Grain at these prices to be rec'd by Town." 

" As agreed last year." 



54 

Rev. Timothy Stevens, was son of Timothy S. of Rox- 
bury, Mass. — was graduated at Harvard, 1687, commenced 
preaching in Glastenbury, April 17th, 1692, old style, (April 
27th, new style) — called to settle in July of the same year, 
and ordained as soon after, as the completion of the meeting 
house would allow, that is, in October, 1693. He married 
for his first wife, Eunice Chester, daughter of Mr. John 
Chester of Wethersfield, May 17th, 1694, by whom he had 

" Timothy, born Saturday night, March 23d, 1695, died April, 1695. 
Sarah, born March 10, 1696, — died Sept. 25th, 1717. 
John, born June 4th, 1698, and died the same month." 

His wife died June 16th, 1698. 

On the 9th of May, 1701, he married Alice Cook, daugh- 
ter of Joseph Cook of by whom he had : 

"John, born Sunday night, Sept. 13th, 1702, died Aug. 30, 1717. 
Eunice, born Sept. 14th, 1704, and died 19th of the same month. 
Martha, born Sept. 6th, 1705, died Nov. 7th, 1717. 
Twin sons, born Sept. 8th, 1707, died at one day old. 
Timothy, born Saturday night, July 9th, 1709. 
Joseph, born Aug. 15th, 1711. 
Benjamin, born March, 1714." 

Rev. Mr. Stevens died April 14th, 1726, in the sixty-first 
year of his age. 

The family of Mr. Stevens continued to reside in Glasten- 
bury. Benjamin married Deborah Dickinson, May 11th, 
1732, and had Benjamin, b. January 22d, 1734, and Deborah, 
b. February 5th, 1736. 

Joseph married Mary Treat, daughter of Capt. Thomas 
Treat, and had Joseph, October 29th, 1733. Mrs. S. died 
February 12th, 1735, and Mr. Stevens married Jerush a Stow, 
daughter of Thomas Stow of Middletown, October 14th, 
1736, and had, Thomas b. July 5th, 1739 ; Mary and Jerusha, 
b. March 16th, 1741 ; Samuel, b. Nov. 1st, 1742; Elijah, b. 
Nov. 15th, 1744 ; Mary, b. Sept. 5th, 1746 ; Elisha, b. Oct. 
1st, 1748; David, b. Oct. 10th, 1750; Jonathan, b. Oct. 4th 
1752 ; Jerusha, b. January 10th, 1754 ; James, b. Aug. 10th, 
1757 ; Peter, b. May 6th, 1759, and Ashbcl, b. June 5th, 1761. 



55 

Timothy married Hannah Orris, Oct. 6th, 1743, and had 
Timothy, b. Sept. 9th, 1744, and Martha, b. Sept. 20th, 1746. 
Mr. S. died Feb. 3d, 1746, and October 9th, 1750, his widow 
married Joseph Smith 1st. The early records of this family 
are better kept than most of them, and we give the descent 
of one family, as indicating the number of generations that 
have elapsed since the incorporation of the town. 

1. Timothy S. m. Alice Cook, May 9th, 1701. 

2. Joseph,. b. Aug. 15th, 1711, m. Jerusha Stow, Oct. 14th, 1736. 

3. Thomas, b. July 5th, 1739, m. Mary Tryon, Feb. 10th, 1763. 

4. Joseph, b. July 9th, 17G7, m. Mehitable Hale, Dec. 31st, 1795. 

5. Daniel, b. Feb. 25th, 1806, m. Alma Strickland. 

During the ministry of Mr. Stevens, the civil polity of the 
Town was brought into systematic form, and settled upon a 
permanent basis. In doing this they had the counsel of 
Hon. Gershom Buckley, thongh then disabled from active 
duty, of whom we have already spoken. Also of Hon. Elea- 
ZAR KiMBERLY, the first male child born in the Colony of 
New Haven, Secretary of this Colony from J 696 to 1709 
and Clerk of this Town from 1692, to his death, Dec. 3d, 
1709, in the seventy-first year of his age ; and of others 
hardly less prominent. 

Name of the Town. 
One evidence of the design and intention of those who 
first gave form and shape to things in Glastenbury, as a 
Town distinct by itself, is furnished by the name selected by 
the inhabitants for the new Town, and approved by the Gen- 
eral Court in 1692. This name, in connection with the very 
strong and decided measures adopted in favor of public 
worship, and public education, immediately after the incor- 
poration of the town, warrants the belief, that the design 
and the hope were entertained, of making Glastenbury in 
Connecticut, in comparison with other towns about it, what 
Glastonbury in England had been for many ages to the parts 
of England about that. The celebrity of Glastonbury in 
England, both in religion and learning, begins with its con- 
version to Christianity, which took place at a very early period^ 



56 

probably within the first century.* The English historians 
of the middle ages agree in supposing that the first building 
in the world, erected expressly for a Christian Church, was 
erected in Glastonbury. Whether this be true or not, in re- 
gard to the world, there can be little doubt that the first 
Christian Church in England, was erected in that place. 
The building is said to have been sixty feet long, and twenty- 
six feet wide, and to have been composed of rods woven or 
wattled together.! The present name is Anglo-Saxon; de- 
rived from Glakh, g-lass, whence come glasting and g-listen- 
ing, and from byrig, a town. The name therefore, properly 
signifies, Glistening-town, thereby seeming to denote its pre- 
eminence above the places in its vicinity. The previous 
British name was Ynys-w\dryn, which may signify either 
Island of glass, or Green Island; and also Ynys-afallon, 
Apple Island; the last of which has been Latinized into Aval- 
Ionia,"^ as Glastonbury has been Latinized into Glastonia. 
Some of the same historians have preserved a tradition, that 
Joseph of Arimathea with his son and ten other companions 
preached the faith of Christ in Britain, A. D. 63, and Wil- 
liam of Malmesbury, who wrote The Antiquities of Glaston- 
bury, about A. D. 1140, says that the Church was built by 
Joseph and his associates.^ The Church having fallen into 
something of decay in the eighth century, it was rebuilt by 
Ina, king of the West Saxons, about A. D. 730, with great 
splendor, richly endowed, made a monastery, and for several 
centuries was among the first of the seats of learning in 
England, and even in Europe. It was again rebuilt by 
Henry II., about A. D. 1170,|| and retained its celebrity for a 
long time, numbering among its pupils, many of the first 



* On the fust preaching of Chris, in Eng. see Chapin's Priin. Church, ['id. ed.] 
pp 370-3S0. 

t Fuller's Ch. H. in loco. 

X Richards' Gchiadur Saesoneg. A Chymrag, p. US. Coinp. Bos. Atig. Sax. 
Lex. in vocem ; Life St. Pa.trie.k, 91, 92. The British name Latinized, was 
Avallonia. Parsons' Three Cove. n. 25. 

§ Capgrave, Joceline, and Patrick, in Mason's Vindic. 5-1-50. 

II Rog. Wend. L 21G. Malms. Ant. Glas. in Turner's Hist. Anglo-Sax. L 263, 
264 Ling. Hist. Eng. I. 134, 135. 



57 

men of England.* This was the Town after which our 
own was named, and which om- ancestors desired, and de- 
signed, in the most important points to emulate ; the proof 
of which will appear, as we consider the history of the Church 
and the School. We may also add that the presumption is 
very strong that several of the leading men at the settlement 
of the Town, came from Glastonbury in England. The 
Welles's were no doubt originally from the city of Wells, in 
the County of Somersetshire, if they did not come directly 
from that place to this country ; while Glastonbury was an 
adjoining town. 

General History of this Period. 

One of the first acts of this Town, was, to hold out induce- 
ments to persuade active and industrious people to settle 
here, by giving to individuals a small farm out of the com- 
mon land, on condition that they improved the same within 
a given number of years. Decided measures were also taken 
to prevent the unnecessary or wanton destruction of valuable 
timber, especially such as would be needed for the comfort 
or convenience of the inhabitants. As early as 1700, no per- 
son was alloM^ed to cut any " Candlewood," (Pine) for tar or 
turpentine, under penalty of 20^. a load, and forfeit of the 
wood. 

At the same time, a mile in width, running through the 
Town from north to south, and joining the three mile lots on 
the west, was set out as a public common forever. Saw 
mills were also erected in various parts of the Town, at its 
suggestion, or by its direction, lands being given for ponds 
and for procuring timber. One of these, authorized by vote 
of the Town, Dec. 25th, 1712, still exists at Wassuc. Swine 
were restrained or permitted to go at large according to the 
circumstances of the times, but especially in reference to the 
abundance of "mast." Bounties were offered for the de- 
struction of rattlesnakes; committees appointed to warn off 
intruders upon the common lands, to throw down the bounds 

•Mason's Vindic. 55. 



58 

and demolish the fences of squatters; the Town paying all 
bills of expense arising therefrom. Pains was also taken to 
improve the breed of cattle, by authorizing the selectmen to 
procure good bulls for the use of the Town. In 1732, the 
number was "seven, three for the Tov^^n platt, two at Nay- 
aug, and two at Eastbury." 

Growth of the Town. 
The increase of the population seems to have been more 
rapid at this period, than could have been expected. In 
1693, we have seen there were thirty-four householders, and 
it will appear from documents given below, that in 1714, 
there were sixty-four resident tax payers, and probably 
householders. In 1723, the number had increased to one 
hundred and eighteen. As late as 1757, the number was one 
hundred and ninety-one. This increase of population was so 
rapid, that the meeting-house which had been built in 1693, 
was found too small to accommodate the people as early as 
1706, and it was accordingly voted to enlarge the same "by 
galleries or leantoos, as the committee should judge most 
expedient." What order was first observed in regard to seats 
in the meeting-house, does not appear ; but in 1712, a com- 
mittee was appointed "to seat the meeting-house," and a 
vote passed that persons not sitting in the seats assigned by 
the committee, should pay "a fine of five shillings a year." 
The committee finding the subject attended with very great 
difficulty, declined going through with the work; in conse- 
quence of which it is said there had been "great disorders 
on Sabbath days, and other days of Public Worship," where- 
upon a new committee was appointed, and persons refusing 
to sit in the seats assigned them were fined '■'■fifteen shillings 
a month.^^ What kind of seats were employed in the meet- 
ing-house is no where mentioned, but that they were not pews, 
is evident from a vote passed Dec, 1717, permitting Thomas 
Kimberly, and Richard Goodrich "to build each of them a 
pue in the meeting-house." But while the Town was strict 
to enforce order, it was not unmindful of the poor and the 
afflicted, as may be inferred from the fact, (among other 



59 

things,) that in 1701, it was voted to remit "the Town and 
minister tax, of John Hale, because of his lameness." With- 
in this period, Samuel Emmons " beat the drum on the Sab- 
bath," Thomas Hall was the " Cordwainer," and Thomas 
HoUister " the weaver." In 1714, Thomas Hale was " ap- 
pointed to keep a public house of entertainment to travelers 
and others, for the year ensuing, and until this Town, by their 
vote, turn him out of that trust." 

One of tRe greatest sources of trouble, to the Town at this 
early period, was the settlement of its boundaries, especially 
between this Town and Hartford, and the protection of its 
common lands. As early as 1701, a body of people from 
Wethersfield and Hartford, went into the east part of Glasten- 
bury and seizing upon undivided public lands, appropriated 
them to their own private use. This led to their expulsion, as 
already stated, and seems also to have hastened the division 
of the common land. The following, embraces the land 
given by this Town to individuals, and also the land divided 
to the inhabitants according to their respective lists, in 1714, 
and 1723, both of which were during the ministry of Mr. 
Stevens, and in the benefits of which he also shared. These 
enrollments of the tax payers in the Town, at the several 
times mentioned, together with their respective lists of prop- 
erty, give us the best idea of its population and wealth at 
the times mentioned, that can now be any where obtained. 
It is the only clue we have to these facts.* 

Grants of Imids in Glastenbury, made in Toivn meeting; 
from 1692, to 1726. 

(1) Glastenbury, place not limited. 
1692, John Kilborn, 160 acres, "adjoining candlewood plain." 
" Abraham Colt, 50 acres, " next to J. Kilborn." 
" Thomas Brewer, 60 acres, 60^ by 8r next to highway at end of 3 m. 1, 

* The Lists, however, do not give us an exact valuation of property, the 
price of every article being fixed by Statute; horses for example, all went in at 
the same price, and so of every thing else. 



60 

1692, Samuel Brooks, 50 acres, " out of Town land." 
" Henry Gosling, 50 acres, " out of Town land." 
" John Waters, 50 acres, " out of Town land." 
" John Hale, " land formerly granted to Tho. Brewer." 

1694, Thomas Brewer, 50 acres, " S. side of T. next Mr. Stevens." 

1696, Arthur Beving, 5 acres, " 10' by 80V' " N. side of his farm." 
" John Hale, 10 acres, " S. side of Town." 

" John Waters, 10 acres, " S. side of Town." 
" Patrick Streen, 10 acres, " S. side of Town." 

1697, William Johnson, 40 acres, " Near Nipsic pond." • 
" John House, 40 acres, " Near Nipsic pond." 

" Thomas Hale, Jr., 40 acres, " Near Nipsic pond." 

" Robert Loveland, 60 acres, " Near Sadler's Ordinary." 

" Joseph Tryon, 40 acres, " Side of former grants at Nipsic." 

" Patrick Streen, 40 acres, " S. of former grants at Nipsic." 

1698, Thomas Dickinson, 60 acres, " At S. bounds near Sad. Ord." 
" Simon Couch, 60 acres, "At S. bounds, near Sad. Ord." 

" Jonathan Smith, Sen'r, 100 acres, " To be taken up where it will not 

be prejudicial to the Town." 
" Richard Fox, Sen'r, 100 acres. 

" Richard Taphuth, 60 acres, " bounded N. on Hartford bounds." 
1700, Simon Couch, 60 acres, "N. of Abr. Colt, in lieu of lands before 
granted." Laid out 1732, IV. 87. 
" Henry Gosling, 50 acres. 
1706, Arthur Bevin, 48 acres. 

(2) Glastenbunj, in second purchase, 6000 acres. 

1707, Dec. 25. At a Town meeting held this day Voted; That the undi- 
vided lands shall be divided to the respective inhabitants, and set out and 
allotted to them proportionably according to the rates this present year ; always 
provided, and it is thus understood, viz. those that have already had these 
grants of lands, that their said grants shall be deducted out of their proportion. 

" At a general meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Glastenbury, 
January 27, Anno Domini 1714. 

" Whereas by a vote of this town, at their meeting, December 25th, 1707, 
did grant that the undivided land in this town should be divided, and set out 
to the several inhabitants, proportionably according to their rates that present 
year, &c., as by said vote more fully may appear : — and whereas the said rates 
be lost, and by other inconveniences attending the said method it is thereby im- 
practicable. It is now therefore, by this meeting unanimously voted, that 
some part of the said undivided or common land shall be divided, as follow- 
eth, that is to say. — This Town do now by their vote give and grant unto the 
several inhabitants of this town, (or their heirs,) who were inhabitants and 
householders in this town when this town first became a body politic, [a list 
of which is contained in a proprietor's vote of 1743, copied beloW] viz., when 



61 

the Meeting Plouse, (in -which the said inhabitants of the said town, for pub- 
lic worship of God, do meet) was erected and built; [1693,] that is to say, 
to each of the said inhabitants, house-holders (or their heirs) the full quantity 
of one hundred acres of the said common undivided land, to be holden to 
them and to their heirs and assigns forever, (excepting only such of the inhab- 
itants, householders, who have heretofore had their respective grants of land 
from this Town, which said inhabitants, householders (excepted) are exclu- 
ded from any benefit of this above grant now made. 

" Mr. Benjamin Talcott, and Mr. Nathaniel Talcott, are to be deemed one 
of sd householders and accordingly to have in the same tenure one hundred 
acres of land as abovesaid. And it is also further voted, that the heirs of 
Mr. John Hollister, dec'd, — the heirs of Lt. Samuel Hale, dec'd, — Mr. Samuel 
Smith, Capt. Samuel Welles, Mr. John Hubbard and the heirs of Mr. Elea- 
zer Kimberly, Esqr., dec'd, shall have more than the rest of the said 
inhabitants, householders, the quantity of sixty acres of the said land, in 
the tenure above said, the same sixty acres being in consideration of their 
extraordinary charges and good service; which inhabitants, householders 
who have benefit by this grant are as follows, viz. 

'[List of peisons receiving sixty additional acres.'] 

Mr. John Hollister, dec'd, 60 Joseph Hill, dec'd, 60 

Eleazer Kimberly, dec'd, 60 Mr. Ephraim Goodrich, 60 

Lt. Samuel Hale, dec'd, CO Thomas Hale, Sen'r, 60 

Mr. Samuel Smith, 60 Deac. Jonathan Smith, 60 

Capt. Samuel Welles, 60 Thomas Loveland, 60 

Mr. Thos. Treat, dec'd, 60 The two Mr. Talcotts, 60 

Mr. John Hubbard, 60 Joseph Smith, Sen'r, 60 

William Wickham, . 60 Joseph Bidwell, dec'd, 60 

WilHam House, dec'd, 60 John Strickland, 60 

" And the Town at the same meeting by their unanimous vote, granted 
that Six Thousand acres more of the said common or undivided land shall be 
divided, granted, and given unto the present inhabitants of this Town, and to 
be divided and laid out to them respectively, in proportion according to their 
several lists of estate for the year 1713 ; To have and to hold the same, to 
them and to their heirs and assigns forever, in the proportion abovemention- 
cd. And the Town do also grant to Rev. Mr. Timothy Stevens, One Hun- 
dred acres more of the said common or undivided land, to be to him and' to 
his heirs and assigns forever." 



62 



The names of persons or present inhabitants to whom the above six thousand 
acres of land is granted, is as follows." [ J'o ivhich are added a few names 
omitted in the list, and the amount of each person's List in the Grand Levy 
of the Town, 1713.] 



NAMES. 


£. s. 


. A. R. 


REM.\RKS. 


Y. B. P. 


[Rev. T. Stevens, 




1.50 


" Mid. bounds," 


1718 HI 40 


«' 




100 


" S. E. Diamond Pond 


," 1719 HI 40 


Mr. Samuel Smith, 


13-3 5 452 




1727 IV 140 


Wid. Dorothy Treat, 


127 








[Cha's & Isaac Treat, 




138 

276 


" W. Tarr-kiUs," 


1723 III 51 
1723 HI 67 


Richard Goodrich, 


55 


98 




1719 HI 43 


John HoUister, 


103 10 


307 


" Seechenayaug," 


1723 HI 54 


Capt. Samuel Welles, 


190 1 


486 


" Congseutt," etc. 


1725 HI 95 


Thomas Holli-ster, 


81 15 


413 


" 150 a. of Willards," 


1720 HI 44 


Joseph Holllster, 


99 


100 




1719 HI 42 


" 




198 


«' Near Congseutt," 


1720 HI 46 


David Hollister, 


49 5 


120 
122 


" Seechanayaug," 


1723 HI 55 
1723 IV 89 


Ephraim Hollister, 


42 15 


108 




1719 H 45 


Thomas Bevin, 


18 




Sold J. Welden, 


1716 HI 33 


Samuel Brooks, 


18 


86 


" near Assawassuc," 


1719 HI 43 


Samuel Hodge, 


18 


36 




1730 IV 29 


Thomas Loveland, 


IS 


100 


" side of a grindle," 


1714 HI 29 


[Thomas Loveland, Jr 


., 


36 


" N. Sadler's Ordinary, 


" 1716 HI 36 


Samuel Loveland, 


29 


5S 




1729 IV 14 


Tho. Dickinson, 


113 10 226 


'' N. Sadler's Ordinary, 


" 1716 HI 36 


Samuel Hale, 


104 10 


160 


" E. Diamond P." 


1715 HI 32 


'< 




50 


" S. E. course tree," 


1715 HI 33 


«< 




259 


" S. bounds, G." 


1716 HI 62 


Thomas Kimberly, 


64 


160 
12S 


" E. Diamond P." 


1717 III 38 
1744 IV 416 


Jonathan Webster, 


35 


70 


" N. of the Saw Mill," 


1716 HI 37 


«' 




70 


" E. Minnoochaug," 


1728 HI 61 


Benj'n Talcott, 


86 10 


173 


" N. Congseutt, 


1723 HI 52 


" 




96 


" E. Diamond P." 


1723 HI 53 


Nathaniel Talcott, 


62 


174 




1723 IV 20 


Thomas Hale, Sen'r, 




100 


" On Hartford line," 


1714 HI 28 


[Tho. Hale's sons. 




209 




1724 HI 59 


Thomas Hale, 3d, 


4S 


25 

50 64 




1739 IV 331 
1739 IV 332 


Thomas Hale, 2d, 


54 10 


97 


" On Hartford line," 


1715 HI 34 


" 




109 


•' N. Congseutt," 


1720 HI 47 


[Jonatlian Smith, 




100 


" On Hartford line," 


1714 HI 29 


Joseph Smith, Jr., 


42 12 


85 


" On Hartford line," 


1723 HI 5S 


Gershom Smith, 


47 2 


95 




1734 IV 77 


James Weldcn, 


22 15 


60 




1715 HI 34 


« 




36 


" S. of the Saw- Mill," 


1716 HI 38 



63 



/ NAMES. 

Kfohn Strickland, 


£. s. 


A. R. 


REMARKS. 


Y. B. P. 


IS 


100 


" At Lubberland," 


1714 m 30 


[Joseph Strickland, 




30 


" near Nipsic hills," 


1718 m 49 


Wid. E. Honse (Keeney,) 6 


12 




1725 m 101 


[Heirs of Wm. House, 




100 


" as householder," 


1721 HI 47 


Benjamin Strickland, 


31 


40 
22 


" At Lubberland," 


1720 HI 51 
1723 HI 50 


Joseph House, 


30 


60 


" W. Minnoochaug," 


1720 HI 46 


Ephraim Bidwell, 


44 


40 


"Great Swamp," 


1714 III 35 


«« 




188 


" On Hebron line," 


1723 HI 55 


Ebenezer Kilborn, 


40 10 


SI 




1720 HI 46 


Simeon Couch, 


34 


68 




1722 HI 50 


Henry Gosley, 


27 10 


55 


" At Lubberland," 


1719 m 41 


Joseph Hill, 


58 15 


100 


" S. E. Diamond P." 


1715 HI 31 


» 


' 


117 


" N. E. corner of Town, 


" 1720 HI 42 


John Kilborn, 


64 


128 


" N. of saw mill," 


1716 m 37 


Wid. M.Hale, [sons,] 


110 


230 


" E. Minnoochaug," 


1723 HI 52 


John Hubbard, 


102 10 


160 




1714 HI 56 


" 




205 


" On Hebron line," 


1723 HI 56 


John Hubbard, Jr., 


49 10 


99 




1721 m 30 


Robert Loveland, 


18 


22 
14 


" E. of Snake house," 


1719 HI 41 
1723 HI 56 


John Loveland, 


35 








William Wickham, 


121 10 


100 
73 54 


"W. Ash swamp," 


1719 HI 28 
1730 IV 34 


Thomas Morley, 


44 


88 


" W. Minnoochaug," 


1716 HI 36 


Wid. Mary Benton, 


25 5 


50 




1717 HI 39 


Daniel Wright, 


47 


50 
124 


" On Blackleach's R.," 


1716 III 32 

1717 in 39 


Eben'r[andJos.] Fox, 


58 10 


70 


" N. E. Diamond P." 


1723 m 57 


Joseph Fox, 




52 


"W. Minnoochaug," 


1720 III 48 


John Fox, 


24 


3 120 


in part. 


1736 IV 201 


Richard Fox, 


25 


50 




1723 III 58 


Abraham Fox, 


21 


42 


" S. W. of saw mill," 


1719 HI 42 


Joseph Smith, Sen'r, 


75 5 


150 




IV 234 


Benjamin Smith, 


84 10 


169 




1725 HI 100 


Samuel Gains, 


44 


88 
SS 




1715 HI 34 
1739 IV 331 


John Biglow, 


27 5 


54 80 Sold to Rich. Fox, 


1729 IV 18 


William House, 


33 12 


67 




1715 HI 34 


Thomas Brewer, Sen'i 


•, 59 10 


50 


other land. 


1714 HI 29 
1723 HI 61 


Thomas Brewer, Jr., 


18 








[Benjamin Brewer, 




36 


" W. Minnoochaug," 


17JS HI 40 


Hezekiah Brewer, 


22 


44 




1719 HI 45 


Samuel Strickland, 


IS 


72 


" At Minnoochaug," 


1720 HI 48 


Jonathan Judd, 


26 


52 


sold D. Wright, 


1719 HI 40 


Richard Smith, 


21 


42 


sold G. Smith, 


1734 IV 104 


Abraham Kilborn, 


47 6 


100 


" E. Diamond P." 


1717 m 39 



64 

NAMES. £. S. A. R. REMARKS. Y. B. P. 

Abraham Colt, 49 98 1723 III 57 

Stephen Andrews, 27 10 55 1716 III 34 

55 1736 IV 259 
Elizabeth Kimberly, 7 

Joseph Tryon, 18 36 Sold to Ganett, 1720 III 47 



1714, Mar. 26, Thomas Holllster, and " Common land sufficient, -with what 
" " Josepli Hollister, they had received to make 100 acres." 
" " Samuel Hale, 50 acres, " Common land." 

" " Samuel Brooks, 50 acres, " " 

" " Daniel Wright, 50 acres, " " 

" " Treat, Heirs Tho's, 60 acres, " in addition to last grant." 

" " John Hollister, ') " common land south of Roar- 

" " Thomas Hollister, [- 200 acres, ing Brook west side of Bare 

" " Thomas Kimberly, ) Hill or Pauhecjansucl:." 

1715, Feb. 17, Joseph Strickland, 30 acres, "at Nipsic, N. W. Wickhams." 
1720, Dec. 22, Thomas Hollister, "1 " All the land lying N. of 4 score acre 

" " John Hollister, lots, below Nayaug, up to the land 

" " Joseph Hollister, > lately belonging to Mr. John Hollis- 

" " David Hollister, ter dec'd." This land liad been 

" " Ephraim Hollister, J formerly granted by Wethersfield to 

Mr. Treat, but being unimproved, the Town of Glasten- 
bury granted it to the Messrs. HoIIisters. For this, the 
heirs of Mr. Treat sued Glastenbury, but the suit was as- 
sumed and defended by the Messrs. HoIIisters. 
1723, Dec. 19, Abraham Colt, 6 acres, " undivided land, near N. E. corner 
of his farm." 
" " Thomas Kimberly. " All E. of his farm at Diamond Pond 

to Hebron." 
" Dec. 23, Heirs Wm. Miller, 100 acres. 

" " Abner Maudsley, and " share of 6000 acres, proportionable 

"■ " Isaac Maudsley, " to the list of Mr. Alvord 1714." 

" " Daniel Wright. " 3 r. wide S. length of his farm." 

" " Joseph Tryon, 50 acres, " E. of the mile common." 

« " Use of the Ministry, 200 acres, " S. Nipsic Pond." 

(3) Glasteiihunj, in second jturchase, 6000 acres. 
1723, Dec. 23. " At a town meeting held this day, — There being in the 
four easternmost miles of land in the Town of Glastenbury, more than Six 
thousand acres not yet granted nor laid out ; Therefore, this Town do, by 
their vote, give and grant six thousand acres of said lands, not yet laid out, 
unto the inhabitants of said Glastenbury who arc hereunto named, to them, 
their heirs and assigns forever, to be divided to them respectively according 
to their Lists this present year, Anno Domini, 1 723." viz. 



65 



NAMES. 


£. s. 


A. R. REMARKS. 


Y. B. P. 


Mr. Samuel Smith, 


1-27 9 : 


153 


fell to E. Lyman and wift 


!, IV 250 


Capt. S. Welles, [sons,] 


144 IS 


173 


141 " near Cunscutt," 


IV 240 


Mr. John Hubbard, 


4S IS 


5S 


112 


1725 HI 92 


Lt. Joseph Smith, 


4S 15 


50 


in part to son Manoah, 


IV 129 


Mr. Thomas Hale, 


79 


94 


12S 


1725 III 102 


Lt. Benj. Talcott, 


127 IG 


153 


*• N. of the pine nursery," 


' 1737 IV 257 


Mr. Thomas Kimberly, 


81 15 




in part '44 IV 416; '47 V 518; '54 VI 14 


Benjamin Smith, 


70 5 




in part. 


1739 IV 331 


Mr. Nathaniel Talcott, 


92 4 


110 


123 "atS. bounds, G." 


1729 IV 20 


John HoUister, 


118 5 


141 


131 " on the S. bounds," 


1729 IV 323 


Thomas Hollister, 


103 5 




1734 IV 159 231; 46 a. 


1737 IV 256 


Joseph Hollister, 


131 5 


1.57 


SO sold, to Tho. Welles, 


1735 IV 23S 


Joseph Strickland, 


34 10 


41 


81 sold, to Tho. Welles, 


1736 IV 237 


William Wickham, 


40 6 


50 


sold, to W.Wickham, Jr. 


,1730 IV 22 


Jonathan Wickham, 


30 2 


3G 


19 "joins Hebron," 


1736 IV 260 


Joseph House, 


56 IG 


63 


34 " N. side Conkscott," 


1728 IV 139 


John Strickland, 


IS 


21 


32 sold, to Tho. Welles, 


1736 IV n 


Samuel Strickland, 


23 10 


23 


in part, 


1737 IV 255 


Josiah Hollister, 


49 1 


59 


sold, to Tho. Welles, 


1734 IV 239 


Joseph Hollister, Jr., 


34 


38 


126 sold, to Tho. Welles, 


IV 243 


Charles Treat, 


13 12 


IG 


56 


1724 III 90 


Tho's Loveland, Sen'r, 


24 


28 


128 


1729 IV 32 


Joseph Fox, 


30 15 


37 


" on Minochauge," 


1729 IV 39 


William Miller, 


55 4 


GG 


35 


1725 HI 99 


John Hubbard, Jr., 


63 10 


7G 


32 


1725 III 99 


Mr. David Hubbard, 


23 


27 


96 


1736 IV 259 


Mr. Steph. J. Chester, 


15 




sold, Wm. Welles, 


1760 VI 132 


Isaac Hubbard, 


44 5 


53 


16 


1736 IV 264 


Ephraim Hubbard, 


54 


64 


120 " S. W. Diamond Pond,' 


' 1734 IV 116 


Dorothy Treat, 


59 15 


72 


" N. W. nursery of pines^ 


,"1731 IV 35 


Isaac Treat, 


12 


14 


64 


1736 IV 258 


Benony Hale, 


30 10 


37 


sold, to Tho. Welles, 


1730 IV 9 


Samuel Loveland, 


59 


77 


12S 


1729 IV 12 


Arthur Bevin, 


42 


50 


sold, Abig. Lattimer, 


HI 125 


Nathaniel Bidvvell, 


30 5 


36 


sold, to Rob. Powel, 


1726 HI 121 


Ephraim Goodrich, 


49 10 


SG 


132 sold, Tho. Welles, 


1730 IV 8,241 


Richard Goodrich, 


5 10 


6 


96 


1725 HI 139 


Benjamin Abbey, 


27 


32 


64 " at Diamond Pond," 


1734 IV 146 


Timothy Brooks, 


21 


125 


32 sold, Abm. Kilborn, 


1727 HI 129 


Samuel Brooks, Sen'rj 


, 22 


26 


33 sold, Rob. Powell, 


1726 HI 122 


Samuel Brooks, Jr., 


21 


25 


sold, Abig. Latt'r, 


1726 HI 122 


[Rev.] Mr. Rich. Treat, 5 10 




sold, John Neville, 


1730 IV 33 


[Wm. Wickham, Jr.,] 






sold, John Neville, 


1730 IV 33 


Abraham Kilborn, 


69 19 


79 


120 


1729 IV 28 


Thomas Buck, 


IS 


96 




1729 HI 189 


Tho's Loveland, Sen'r 


, 24 


28 


123 " next Hebron bounds," 


1736 IV 25S 


Thomas Scott, 


23 

5 


27 


9G sold Benj. Hale, 


HI 131 



66 



NAMES. 


£. 


s. 


A. 


R. 


REMARKS. 


Y. B. P. 


Samuel Price, 


27 




82 


64 sold, Jona. Hale, 


1733 IV 92 


Thomas Treat, 


46 


10 


55 


128 




1729 m 199 


Thomas Brewer, Sen'r; 


, 42 


10 


50 




sold, Jona. Hale, 


1724 HI 79 


Joseph Brewer, 


28 




33 


96 


" at Constscott," 


1729 IV 445 


Joseph Dickinson, 


35 


1 


42 


9 




1725 III 94 


Gideon Hollister, 


21 




25 


22 




1725 IV 81 


Elizabeth Hill, 


84 




100 


128 




1728 III 170 


Benj. Hollister, 


52 












Thomas Brewer, Jr., 


18 




20 




sold, Jona Hale, 


1724 m 73 


Ebenezer Goodale, 


24 




29 




sold, Jona. Hale, 


1724 HI 75 


Ephraim Hollister, 


55 


15 


66 




sold, Tho. Welles, 


1724 III 85 


Dr. Joseph Tryon, 


19 




23 


128 


sold, Jona. Hale, 


1730 IV 28 


David Hollister, 


62 


10 


74 


144 




1730 IV SS 


Mary Benton, 


50 




5S 




1728 IV 254: 


; 1751 V 549 


Samuel Gains, 


92 




110 




" next Bolton," 


IV 196 


Richard Fox, 


62 


6 


75 


8 


" E. of Minochauge," 


1729 IV 26 


Thaddeus Welles, 


44 


10 


86 






1737 IV 257 


Gersliom Smith, 


54 


12 


65 


80 




1734 IV 166 


Joseph Smith, 2d, 


S9 


7 


lOG 


SO sold, Jona. Hale, 


1731 IV 70 


Abner Maudsley, 


93 


4 


112 






1725 IV 19 


Thomas Morley, 


45 




54 




sold, John Waddams, 


1731 IV 165 


Henry Goslee, 


42 




50 


64 




1725 III 102 


John Fox, 


31 




44 






1725 HI 95 


Robert Loveland, 


73 


10 


88 




" N. E. Stone house," 


1725 III ' 93 


Jonathan Webster, 


75 


8 


90 


SO 




1736 IV 203 


Benjamin Strickland, 


33 


10 


40 


30 




III 103 


Richard Keenny, 


45 








sold, Jona. Hale, 


1720 III 155 


John LoveJand, 


44 


8 


53 


48 




1736 IV 260 


Ephraim Bidwell, 


60 




72 




" at Great Hill," 


1732 IV 82 


Daniel Brewer, 


21 




25 


32 


sold, Tho. Welles, 


1729 IV 9 


Abraham Fox, 


47 




56 






1736 IV 258 


Abell Morley, 


40 




48 




sold, Mary Benton, 


1724 HI 63 


Simon Couch, 


37 


10 


45 




sold, Abrm. Kilborn, 


IV 97 


William House, 


46 


16 


56 


32 




1731 IV 72 


Joseph Hill, 


24 




28 


128 




1725 III 97 


Abraham Colt, 


29 




34 


128 




1725 lU 101 


Ebnezer Morley, 


36 




44 




sold, Sam. Hale, Jr., 


1724 III 65 


Ebenezer Streen, 


25 




29 




sold, Benj. Hale, 


1724 HI 74 


Timothy Hale, 


44 




40 






1725 HI 98 


" 






12 


128 


" at the Great Swamp,' 


' 1735 IV 261 


Samuel Hale, Jr., 


21 




25 


32 


" N. of Conkscott," 


1728 IV 85 


Daniel Wright, 


144 


2 


137 




sold, Noah Phelps, 


1732 IV 60 


Joseph Tryon, Jr., 


18 




21 


96 


sold, Benj. Fox, 


1729 IV 16 


Stephen Andrus, 


39 




46 


128 


" next to Hebron," 


1736 IV 260 


Benj. Hale, 


36 


16 


44 

72 




Sam. Hale's .-share. 


1725 III 94 
IV S3 


Jonathan Hale, 


122 


7 


146 


120 




1729 IV 17 


Thomas Hale, Jr., 


52 


10 


55 




^'near Diamond Pond," 


17-34 IV 194 



67 



NAMES. 


£. 


s. 


A. 


R. 


REMARKS. 


Y. B. P. 


Thomas Welles, 


103 


10 










Charles Hoi lister, 


21 




25 


32 




1729 IV 31 


Joseph Andrus, 


IS 




21 


32 


sold, Tho. Welles, 


1730 IV 10 


John Neville, 


2G 




31 


32 




III 109 


Samuel Gains, Jr., 


21} 




24 


12S 


sold, John Neville, 


in 60 


Ebeiiezer Fox, 


47 


15 


50 






1734 IV 150 


Hezekiah Brewer, 


19 












Jeremy FloUister, 


IS 




21 


96 




1725 III 96 


Samuel Hale, 


61 












Daniel Wright, Jr., 


2.5 




30 




"Little Nipsic plain," 


1731 IV 3S 


Samuel Hodge, 


26 




33 


96 




1736 IV 259 


Richard Smith, 


21 




25 


32 




1725 III 97 


David Dickinson, 


IS 




21 


96 


sold, Abr'm Skinner, 


1734 IV 3 


Benony Fox, 


20 




24 






1725 III 96 


Mr. John Chester, 






7 


40 




1725 III 93 



" Voted : that none of the within mentioned grants be laid out, till the first 
day of March next, that so, such as have heretofore had their grants of land, 
may have opportunity to lay out their land according to their grants ; that is 
to say, Mr. Samuel Smith, Joseph Smith, Sen'r, Thomas Hale, William 
Wickham, Capt. Ephraim Goodrich, Thomas Brewer, or any others that have 
not laid out." 

1725, Dec. 13, Ehzabeth Kimberly, 14 acres, "undivided land in East- 

bury," laid out 1729, V. 36. 

1726, Dec. 19, Benjamin Smith, 100 acres, "which he should have had in 

1713," laid out to his sonManoah S. 1734, IV. 129. 
" **■ Wm. Wickham, Jr., "omitted in the roll of 1724, to have 

his share." 

Lands subsequently set out to persons not mentioned in the preceding lits. 

NAMES. A R. REMARKS. Y. B. P. 

Patrick Streen, 40 1723 JJI 64 

Eph'm Goodrich, 72 16 of Wethersfield, 1729 IV 3 

Wm. Wickham, 160 1719 III 200 

Rev. A. Woodbridge, 100 " S. 4 score acre lots near 1732 IV 93 

" 13 the nursery," 1741 IV 337 

Parsonage, 200 «' S. side Nipsic Pond," 1733 IV 117 

Robert Powell, 26 33 of Wethers'd, sold.Z.Fox, 1733 IV 123 

Rev. Timothy Stevens, 50 " at Diamond Pond," 1734 IV 147 

1st ordained M. Eastb. 100 " N. E. corner Nipsic," 1732 IV 176 

Ministry, 10 13S to correct a mistake, 1735 IV 264 

Daniel Whitmore, 50 1740 IV 344 

Wm. Goodrich, 20 " On top of Minochauge,"1743 IV 408 

Rev. N. Brainard, 50 1740 jy 430 

Ebenezer Fox, 100 given to S. Boardman W. 1741 V 24 

Benj. Wright, 100 given to S. Boardman W. 1741 V 28 



REV. ASHBEL WOODBRIDGE, 1728-1758. 

After the death of Mr. Stevens, the committee of the socie- 
ty hired Mr. Israel Chauncey to preach a quarter of a year, 
for which he was to have " .£15 and needful subsistence for 
himself and horse." At the end of the three months, 9th of 
March, 1727, he was called to settle, with a salary of £100 
and a settlement of <£200. This offer was not accepted, and 
on the 25th of April a vote was taken to call a minister, 
when Mr. John Curtice had thirty-one votes, Mr. Israel Chaun- 
cey five, and Mr. Charles Treat one ; and Mr. Curtice was 
called with the same salary and settlement as had been offer- 
ed to Mr. Chauncey. This vote in regard to Mr. Curtice 
having been taken without consulting " the Elders" or neigh- 
boring ministers, gave rise to considerable difficulty, where- 
upon it was unanimously agreed to consult them. In pur- 
suance of their advice, the people met on the 19th of July and 
ballotted for a minister, when Mr. C. had fifty-two votes, and 
there were forty-eight blanks. Under these circumstances the 
Elders advised doing nothing further in the case of Mr. Cur- 
tice, and recommended them to try Mr. Ashbel Woodbridge 
or Mr. John Bulkley, Jr. Mr. Woodbridge was called on the 
same terms offered Mr. Chauncey, and having accepted the 
same, he was ordained October 4th, 1728, the expense being 
borne by the town. 

Of the men called previous to Mr. Woodbridge, Mr. Chaun- 
cey was probably the same that graduated at Harvard in 
1624 and died in 1736, without having been a settled pastor. 
Mr. Curtice may be the one who graduated at Yale, 1719> 
and after preaching a while as a candidate, relinquished the 
ministry and died in 1774. Mr. Charles Treat was a native 
of Glastenbury, son of Thomas Treat, and grand-son of Ger- 
shom Bulkley, born 1696, graduated at Yale, 1722, married 
Sarah, daughter of John Gardiner of the Isle of Wight, in the 
county of Suffolk, N. Y., in 1727. He relinquished the min- 
istry, and gave himself to agricultural pursuits on the large 
estates of his wife. He died in 1742. 

There being no public land suitable or convenient for build- 



69 

ing a house for Mr. "W., several gentlemen subscribed money 
to assist him in buying a lot as follows: Thomas Wells, £.1 
IO5. ; Richard Smith, <£2; Abraham Kilborn,<£4; Jonathan 
Hale, &1 IO5.; N. Talcott, £1 ; Thaddeus Welles, £2 IO5.; 
Abram Moseley, £3 ; S. Smith, Jr., £5 ; Silas Welles, £2 
IO5.; total, £32. 

Rev. AsHBEL WooDBRiDGE, SOU of Rcv. Timothy Wood- 
bridge of Hartford, born 1704, graduated at Yale, 1724, or- 
dained at Glastenbury, October, 1728, died of dysentery, 
August 6th, 1758, in the fifty-fifth year of his age, and the 
thirtieth of his ministry. He married widow Jerusha Ed- 
wards of Hartford, daughter of William Pitkin of East 
Hartford, November 17th, 1737, and had, — 

u AshbeL, b. Oct 1738. 

Samuel, b. Jan. 22, 1740. 

Elizabeth, b. Oct. 1, 1741, d. 

Timothy, b. March 15, 1744- 

Hoel, b. March 17, 1746- 

Theodore,b- Jan. 10, 1748. 

William, b. Feb. 2, 1750, d. March 2, 1 750- 

Elizabeth.b. Aug. 17, 1751. 

William, b. SepL 14, 1755. 

Mr. W. was a man of eminent piety and distinguished 
worth ; whose reputation was that of a ripe scholar, sound 
divine and successful peace-maker. He was often deputed 
by the authorities to assist in composing difficulties in socie- 
ties and churches, when peace had been disturbed. We find 
him in a council at Hebron, 1731; Goshen, 1747; Branford, 
1748; and Franklin, 1748. He also preached the election 
sermon before the General Assembly in 1752, from Psalm 
78 : 72 ; was a member of the Corporation of Yale College. 
Of Mr. Woodbridge's family, Ashbel died nine days after 
his father, being then a member of Yale College. Samuel, 
we shall have occasion to spe*ak of as a minister of Eastbury. 
Timothy, graduated at Yale, 1765, was settled at Whitestown, 
^ N. Y., where he remained until his death. He left one son 
who died young. Hoel, or Hoivel, married Mary, daughter 
of Ebenezer Plummer, Esq., November 26th, 1778, and had 



70 

three children, Joseph, b. March 27th, 1780 ; Mary, b. August 
20th, 1782, and Sarah, b. September 3d, 1784. Howel was 
an active and influential citizen, and a colonel in the Revo- 
lution. He died June 13th, 1796, in the fifty-first year of his 
age. Theodore married Esther, daughter of Ebenezer Plum- 
mer, Esq., November 13th, 1783. He removed to Pennsyl- 
vania, where his descendants are now supposed to reside. 
William graduated at Yale, 1765, studied divinity but was 
never settled, spending his days in teaching. He died at 
Franklin, Conn., March 27th, 1836, aged eighty-two. Wil- 
liam Channing- Woodbridg-e, the geographer, who died in 
Boston, 1845, was the only son of William. Twenty-five 
years of indefatigable labor and research, one-half of which 
was spent in travel at home and abroad, enabled Mr. W. to 
amass an amount of geographical matter, which has enabled 
others to amass fortunes.* 

INCOKPORATION OF EASTBURY, ETC. 

During the ministry of Mr. Woodbridge, the town contin- 
ued in peace and harmony. The population in the eastern 
part increased so rapidly, and the difficulties of attending 
public worship with the people on the river, were so great, 
being separated from them by the whole length of the three 
mile lots, and the one mile in width of the Public Common, 
that a petition was brought to the General Court in 1730, 
for the incorporation of a new Ecclesiastical Society within 
the limits of Glastenbury. This petition was granted in May, 
1731, and the new society called Eastbury, and measures 
were immediately taken to erect a Meeting House, which 
was located near a great rock on the west side of the society, 
near the spot where the old burying-ground is situated, and 
was to " be forty feet in length and thirty-five feet in width." 

On the 29th of June of the same year, (1731,) Rev. Eben- 
ezer Wright was called as pa%tor of the new society, with 



* Gen. Reg. January, 1853. Lee's Election Sermon, 1815, App. p. 55. Noti- 
ces of the History of the First Congregational Church in Glastenbury, p. 13, 
and Monuments in the Grave Yards and MSS. Memo. 



71 

£60 salary and an annual increase of £5 until it amounted 
to <£100, and also £100 settlement. Mr. Wright was prob- 
ably a native of Glastenbury or Wethersfield, graduated at 
Yale, 1724, settled at Stamford, 1732, and died 1746.* 

Mr. Wright having declined the invitation, the Rev. Jona- 
than Hubbard was called to the same office on the 21st of 
September of the same year, with the salary offered Mr. W., 
a settlement of <£150, an hundred acres of land and his fire- 
wood annually. Mr. Hubbard seems to have accepted the 
call, and to have preached when an opportunity offered, be- 
fore the Meeting House was built. In 1731, he received .£15, 
in 1732, X60. In 1733, the day of his ordination was set, 
- and the persons to be an ordaining council selected. Some 
unknown cause, however, broke off the connection at this 
^- point, and the society paying him £50, looked elsewhere for 
I preaching. Mr. Hubbard was boni^ as would seem, at Glas- 
^ tenbury, graduated at Yale, 1724, afterward settled, but at 
what place or places is unknown ; died, 1765. ^y 15 /sAfy"^^-^ 

The Rev. John Williams was next procured to preach, 
which he did for a few months, and on the first of April, 1734, 
he was called to settle among the people of Eastbury on 
terms similar to those which had been offered to the others. 
The call, however, was declined. IVIr. Williams is supposed 
to be the John Williams who w^as graduated at Harvard, 
1725, took his Master's degree in 1729, and whose subse- 
quent history and death are unknown. 

The Rev. Daniel Bliss was next called to the place, on 
similar terms, but declined. He was born at Springfield, 
1715, graduated at Yale, 1732, and settled at Concord, Mass. 
He died, 1764. 

The Rev. William Gager, was first employed to preach 
by the day, until the decision of Mr. Bliss should be known. 
He continued to preach until March, 1735, when a vote was 
taken calling him to settle. The votes being fourteen for, 
and twelve against, it was thought advisable to consult the 
ministers of the Association of Lebanon, where Mr. Gager 

• Am. Q. R. IV. 316. 



72 

had been, and take their advice in the matter. The result 
was that on the 3d of November, 1735, a call was given to 
Rev. Chiliab Brainard, who accepted the same. Mr. Gager 
was graduated at Yale, 1721, settled at Lebanon, 1725, dis- 
missed, 1734. He died in 1737.* 

Rev. Chiliab Brainard, first ordained minister of East- 
bury, son of William B. of Haddam Neck, and grand-son of 
Deacon Daniel B., born at Haddam, was graduated at Yale, 
1731 , settled at Eastbury, January, 1736. In the fall of 1738, he 
resigned his pastoral office in an informal way, and the socie- 
ty directed the committee to hire Mr. Richard Treat to preach 
until the next annual meeting. Mr. B. died the first of Janu- 
ary following, (1739,) in the thirty-first year of his age and the 
third of his ministry. He married Abigail, daughter of Rev. 
Phineas Fiske, of Haddam. After the death of Mr. B. she 
married Rev. Noah Merrick of "Wilbraham, Mass., of whom 
Judge George Merrick of Glastenbury, is a descendant.! He 
was born at Wilbraham, February 1st, 1793, read law with 
Judge Gilbert of Hebron, and Hon. Hunt Mills of Northamp- 
ton, was admitted to the bar, 1815, and immediately com- 
menced practice in this town. 

After the death of Mr. Brainard, Mr. Treat seems to have 
continued to preach here until March, 1739, when Mr. Ne- 
hemiah Brainard was called to settle. Mr. Richard Treat 
appears to have been the son of " Thomas Treat of Nayaug," 
born May 14th, 1694, and was graduated at Yale, 1719. The 
place of his labors and the time of his death are unknown. 

Rev. Nehemiah Brainard, second minister of Eastbury, 
son of Hezekiah and grand-son of Deacon Daniel B., brother 
of David Brainard the celebrated missionary, was gradu- 
ated at Yale, 1732, settled at Eastbury, January, 1740, died 
November 9th, 1742, in the thirty-second year of his age. A 
proposition was made after the death of Mr. Brainard, to re- 
claim the fifty acres of land granted to him by the proprietors, 



* Am. Q. Reg. IV. 30S. 

t Ilin. Pur. 319. Rev. Dr. Sprague's His. Not. Springfield. Am. Q. R. IV 
308, etc. 



73 

but the town refused, by its vote, to have anything to do with 
the matter. Mr. B. was married, but whether he left any 
family, we have not learned.* 

Rev. Isaac Chalker. There is a tradition among some 
of the oldest inhabitants of this parish that Mr. C. was an 
Englishman. This seems, however, to be a mistake, for he ap- 
pears, from a great variety of circumstances, to have been the 
son of Abraham and Deborah Chalker; to have been born at 
Saybrook, September 12th, 1707, and to have been graduated 
at Yale, 1728. He was settled at Bethlehem, Orange county, 
N. Y., where he remained until 1743. In December of that 
year, he was invited to Eastbury by a vote of twenty-six to 
seventeen, to preach on probation, and soon after was called 
to settle by a vote of thirty-seven to eighteen. He was in- 
stalled October, 1744, and died May 21st, 1765. The name 
of his first wife, by whom, previous to 1750, he had eight 
children, and also the subsequent history of the children, is 
unknown. His first wife dying, he married Sarah Morley 
of Glastenbury, in 1762. Only two children are spoken of 
in the doings of the parish at the time of his death, Joanna 
and Isaac, both apparently children of the second wife. 

Mr. C. had been unfortunate in the loss, while at Bethle- 
hem, of his stock of cattle and a negro servant, by the cold 
winter of 1740-41. To replace these, and to pay the expen- 
ses incurred by the removing his family to Connecticut, he 
loaned ,£650 of the colony, which subsequently became a 
source of much annoyance and vexation to him and the par- 
ish, the colonial authorities insisting upon payment, when 
he appears to have had nothing wherewith to pay. From the 
society records and public proceedings in the case, we learn 
that his settlement was £300, and his salary X130; that the 
General Court issued in a brief for a contribution in behalf 
of him and the parish, from which they realized .£126, and 
that finally his friends in Glastenbury raised a considerable 
sum for him, and the General Court gave him the remainder. 
It also appears that the parish of Eastbury was at this time 

* Hin. Pur. 319. Glas. L. R. Mon. Glas. B. G. Am. Q. R. IV. 308. 



74 

in a very weak condition ; that in 1740, the list of the parish 
was only <£ 2,510 10^. Even some fifteen years later, their 
list was only .£4,000, and two thousand acres of the land in 
the parish were owned by non-residents. The following is the 
substance of a paper in the same proceedings, entitled : 

" What Glasteiibury has done for Eastbury. 
1731, Gave 100 acres of land for the first Minister, -when made a Society. 
1736, Taxed the unimproved lands for their benefit, for four years. 
1740, Gave fifty acres of land to the second Minister. 

1 753, Made a contribution [subscription] for it. 

1 754, A tax of 1 2(1. an acre on unimproved land for the benefit of that Parish. 

1761, Gave fifty acres of land for a Parsonage. 

1 762, Gave part of a mile of Common for their benefit." 

The subscription above alluded to has been preserved, to- 
gether with an account of money raised in Eastbury for the 
same purposes, paying Mr. Chalker's indebtedness to the 
colony, and is copied below for the light it throws upon the 
location and condition of the signers. The parish at this time 
was grievously distressed, and greatly weakened and dis- 
heartened, among other things, by the loss of twenty-six male 
members in the French war, immediately after Mr. Chalker's 
settlement, most of them being the young and active mem- 
bers of the parish, its future hope and stay and support, and 
soon after by the setting off of a body of active citizens to 
aid in forming the parish of Marlborough. 

Subscrijition for Rev. Mr. Chalker in Eastbury, 1752-3. 



Abraham Fox, 


£7 


Benjamin Strickland, 


£2 


William House, 


10 


Benoni House, 


2 


Stephen Strickland, 


11 4s. 


Charles Hollister, 




Daniel House, 


12 


Benjamin Skinner, 


l*- 


Elisha Hollister, 


5 


Joseph Goodale, 




Nicholas Nichols, 


5 


Andrew Macka, 




John Wiar, 


5 


Joseph Macka, 




Thomas Hollister, 


5 


Edward Hutchens, 




Samuel Stratton, 


2 


Malacha Corning, 




Samuel Pease, 


4 


Betsey INIacka, 




Samuel Pease, Jr., 


1 


Jonatlian Mygatt, 




Joseph Brewer, i 


1 







Total, £85 4s. 



75 

Subscription in Glastenhury, etc., for same. 



Ashbel Woodbridge, 


£20 


Isaac Moseley, 


£10 


Jonathan Hills, 


12 


Abraham Kilborn, 


5 


Edward Eells, 


5 


Benjamin Hale, 


5 


Jonathan Belding, 


10 


William Eells, 


2 


Nathaniel Coleman, 


5 


Abigail Woodbridge, 


17 


Samuel Treat, 


5 


Thomas Belding, 


20 


Samuel Talcott, 


8 


Ezekiel Porter, 


10 


Thomas Welles, 


30 


Elisha Goodrich, 


15 


Joseph Pitkin, 


20 


Solomon Welles, 


10 


Jonathan Hale, 


20 


Thomas Welles, 


12 


Abner Moseley, 


5 


Jonathan Robbins, 


15 


Samuel Kimberley, 


15 







£276 

The friends of Mr. Chalker having raised half the amount 
due the State, the colony either gave him the remainder, or 
some other means were provided by which he was enabled 
to pursue his labors in peace and quietness, until his death in 
1765.* 

Though the society of Eastbury had suffered many losses, 
it was doomed to suffer still another in the life-time of Mr. 
Chalker, the setting off a part of the parish to form the Ec- 
clesiastical Society of Marlborough, to which we have alrea- 
dy alluded. The petitioners from Eastbury were, Samuel 
Loveland, Abraham Skinner, David Dickinson, Jonathan 
Bingham, Joseph White, John Rutt, [Root,] Robert Loveland, 
Benjamin Skinner and Caleb Waddams. These, together 
with others from Hebron and Colchester, petitioned the Gen- 
eral Assembly to be made into a distinct society, and though 
stoutly resisted by Eastbury, the petition was granted in 1747, 
but the petitioners were required to pay their proportion of 
the charges of Eastbury for four years. In 1808, this socie- 
ty was made into a town, and in 1813, "the south end of 
John Tom hill" was set off from Eastbury, and made a part 
of Marlborough. 

A portion of this loss was made up to Eastbury, however, 



• Col. St. Pap. Ecc. VIII. 212. X. 156-163. XII. 69. MSS. Rev. F. W. C. 
Am. Q. R. IV. 308. 



76 

by the addition of the "fourth mile" or Common, to that par- 
ish, in compliance with a petition based on the following cu- 
rious vote : 

" Voted to send A man to the General! assembly of the Colony of Con- 
nitticutt to Purtlshun for the inhabbytents that are and shall be on the fourth 
mile." 

This petition was resisted by Glastenbury, but after some 
delay, was granted, giving to Eastbury all of the original 
» five mile purchase," not included within the limits of Marl- 
borough. 

GENERAL HISTORY OF TfflS PERIOD. 
Many incidents of interest, worthy of notice, transpired in 
Glastenbury during the ministry of Mr. Woodbridge. In go- 
ing through with the records, we could not but observe a ten- 
der regard for the poor and the afflicted, which stands in 
striking contrast with the more modern fashion of dealing 
with the « Town's Poor," throughout Connecticut.* » Thir- 
ty pounds'" to this person, and " Twenty-five pounds'' to that, 
to enable them to make provision for some case of idiocy or 
insanity, and lesser sums for lesser calamities, voted by the 
town for similar purposes, indicate a spirit of feeling that 
would rejoice humanity, should it again revive. 

EARLY MUSIC. 

One of the difficulties of the New England colonists du- 
ring the first half of the last century, was from a cause which 
could not have been foreseen or anticipated. From the first 
settlement of the country, until about 1712, there had been no 
such thing known in New England as a singing school, or 
learning to sing by note. The whole music of the churches 
was traditionary, and like all traditions had been so changed 



* It was a pleasing arrangement by which the whole body of the " Town's 
Poor" were conveyed to the public Green on the day of the celebration, enjoy- 
ing it? festivities, and partaking of its abundant luxuries, with a freedom and a 
zest that will not soon be forgotten by them. 



77 

in different places, that it was difficult to recognize the same 
tune, as sung in different choirs. And, strange to say, the 
great body of the people had become so much attached to 
this perverse practice, that when it was proposed to introduce 
regular singing by note, it raised such a storm in the land as 
amazes those who look back upon it from the present time. 
The storm spent its greatest fury in Massachusetts, dividing 
congregations and arraying ministers and people, deacons and 
choirs, in the utmost hostility against each other. In Connec- 
ticut, the zeal of the combatants was less fervid and general. 
But even here, the interposition of the General Court was 
required in many towns to quiet the disturbances arising 
from the introduction of "singing by rule." In Glastenbury, 
the matter was quietly and easily disposed of by a vote of 
the town in February, 1733, directing the congregation in the 
first society, to sing one-half the day by " note," and the 
other half by " rule," and to begin after the next election.* 

This vote was not entirely satisfactory to the society itself, 
and accordingly in July following, at a meeting called for the 
purpose, it was, — 

" Voted, that the Kegulor or new way of singing be defered, and not be 
sung in the Congregation in this Society on the Sabbath days, until the meet- 
ing of this Society in December next, and that, in the mean time this Society, 
or as many of the inhabitants thereof as can conveniently attend it, do meet 
once a month at the place of public worship on the second Wednesday in 
each month, at two of the clock in the afternoon, to learn the said way of 
singing ; — and that there be also three jirivate meetings set up for said singing 
once a week or fortnight, two in the Town Piatt, and one at Naighuig, (viz.,) 
at Mr. John Hollister's Hoose at Naighuig on the first Monday in each 
month at four of the clock in the afternoon ; — at the Iloose of Jonathan Hale 
on the third Wednesday in Each month, at the same time of day, and at the 
Hoose of Mr. Daniel Wright on the forth Wednesday in Each month, at the 
same time of day." 

The sound sense and practical wisdom of this resolve, 
equalled only by the ready compliance of the people with the 



* Those who would see the lengths to which this controversy was carried in 
many places, will find it in Hood's History of Music in New England, 18nio. 
Boston, 1846. 



s:\mo. are worthy of all praise and oanMnl imitation. The idea 
of sinking without learning, or of being exoused from making 
an etVorr to loarn. ?eems never to have entered the minds of 
our anoes'tors. Would that their deseendants might imitate 
this example, when^by our ehurehes might seeure mort^ and 
bettvr singt^r?. At the De^vmber meeting of the soeiety, sueh 
pn^gres^s had Ihhmi made in learning to sing by rule, that it 
was r>t?>:olvet.l to commence on the tirst Lecture day, that Mr. 
W\xxlbridge could preach a sermon appropriate for the oc- 
casion. 

In Eastbury. the n^gular ^^*■ay of singing met with luon^ 
opposition. It was tirst adopted in 1740. and in a short time 
after rejei^tci^, but again subsequently adopted. In the first 
society. 1>. Warrs' version of the Psalms was adopted in 
175(5. and in 177o. the same society voted •• to sing four times 
every Sabbath, without reading the psaJms." 

BURNING AND BUILDING A MEETING HOUSE. 

A grievous c;\lamity befel the first society during the min- 
istry of Mr. Wootibridge. in th^r burniH^r of the ATfT/iMir House, 
OH the mi^rfif of the HtMth of December, 1734. The fire occur- 
ring on Monday evening when there had been no exposure 
from any use of the bouse, there seemed to be no doubt that 
it wt\s the work of an incendiary, and etficieut measures were 
taken to discover the ol^'enders. but so far as we have been 
able to learn, without elfect. On the 00th of .Tamtary. 1735. 
the society voted to build a new house. " forty-four feet in 
width, luid fifty-six feet in length, and twenty-four feet in 
height between joints." The house was located by a com- 
mittee of the Greneral Assembly, appointed the May follow- 
ing, in the highwx\y near the house of the late Rev. Mr. Stev- 
ens and the (then) present Rev. Mr Woodbridge. The house 
w^s to be clapboarded without and ceiled within, the walls 
beins " filled." and the whole to be " finished in a manner suit- 
able for a Christian people to worship God in." 

The sittings of this house were partly pews and partly 
seats which were probably open. The pews were arranged 
around the outside of the house adjoining the wall. The 



pvilpit, standing on the west sde o( ihe boose, had oa the 
north a '^ square pew for the nuni^ei's fanufyf" and two other 
pews extending to the north end. Sootii of Ac polpft were 
the stairs leading into it, an open ^lace with a bench for 
children, and two pews similar to Aose north of it, ext^d- 
ing to the south end. Toming east by the wall on the south 
end, there were two pews before readiing the sonth door, and 
then one before sarrvnng at the gaUery stsais. Pacing on die 
east side of the house, there stood two pews before reaching 
the front doer, with the same arrangement of pews and doors 
on the remainder of the east side and north end. Within 
this range of pews was an aisle leading around the honse. 
and another leading from the front door to the pidpit, divid- 
ing the central pan of the hoose into two dirisions, which 
were filled with rows of open seats or slips. 

These seats were ~ dignified^ after the following manner. 
by vote of the society : 

^1. Tbe peires next tfaepn^ (exefanre of Aenmutfet'spev,) tolie&e 

firittest and bi^ieafc. 
** 2. Tbe teeood pew to be ^ seeood seat 
*" 3. Tbe £)re aeat [in die hodj of tbe boose] to be Ae tihitd Kst 
^4. TbedDidpewaiiddieaeeoiid9eat,tobeeqiiaL 
'<a. Tbe foarA pew &om die pulpit, and ibednrd seat to be eqnaL 
"6. Tbe fifUi pew, and finrdi seat, and die ieeood pew from Aefiire door to 

be eqoaL 
** 7. Tbe diird pew hem die fcre door, and die fifib seat to be eqoaL 
*' 8. And dioi die axdi seat and so on to tbe last-" 

This arrangement remained until 1762, when the society 
voted to " cut up the seats" in the body of the house, the 
space to be filled with pews, when they were all ^ dignified*' 
anew, by a committee appointed to seat the house. When 
determining the place due to any IndividaaLtbe searers were 
to consider " the age, state and parentage," of any individnal, 
and to proceed accordingly. The women were originally 
placed on the north side of the house, and all young unmar- 
ried people in the gallery, and it was not until 17o7, that 
men and their wives were seated together. 



^t 



80 



RELIGION AND MORALS. 



Of the state of religion and morals at this early period, we 
have no means of forming any accurate or certain estimate, 
as there are no records of any of the churches until subse- 
quent to the death of Mr. Woodbridge. The church records 
of his successor, the Rev. John Eells, compel us to believe 
that the influence of the French war had been as unfavora- 
ble to morals as destructive to life ; and that the absurd 
practice of "bundling" prevalent in those days, was not un-^ 
frequently attended with the consequences that might have 
been expected, and that both together, aided by a previous 
growing laxity of morals, and accelerated by many concur- 
ring causes, had rolled a tide of immorality over the land, 
which not even the bulwark of the church had been able to 
withstand. The church records of the first society, from 
1760 to 1790, raise presumptions of the strongest kind, that 
then, as since, incontinence and intemperance^ were among the 
sins of the people. What the condition of things in East- 
bury was, we have no means of knowing, as that portion of 
the church records which treats of this point, was long ago, 
carefully removed. There is no reason, however, to suppose 
that this state of things was peculiar to Glastenbury ; for 
there is too much evidence that it prevailed throughout the 
country. We believe, also, that there has been during the 
last century, no such general deterioration of morals as many 
suppose ; but that, on the contrary. Christian principles and 
sound morals have made some advance within a century; 
and we trust that they are destined to make still further ad- 
vance in a century to come. What the character of the 
coming generation shall be, depends upon the ivill and the 
act of the present. 



81 



MR. WOODBR'iDGE S SALARY, 



i 


^ 






^- 






^ 


1 


^ 


1 


' 






1731, 


£100 


7s 


4s 6rf 


4s 






1732. 


100 


7s 


4s 6d 




[the Treasury. 


1733, 


100 








In money, or grain at money price, and 


£3 in 


1734, 


100 


8s 6d 


6s 


4s6rf 


In money, or grain at money pr-ice. 




1735, 


100 


9s 


Cjs 


AsGd 






173(5, 


100 


10s 


7s 


5s 


£15 voted to him at the end ol*the year. 




1737. 


100 


14s 


lOs 


6s 


£7 voted to him at the end of the year. 




173S, 


130 


10s 


7s 


6s 






1739, 


140 


9s 


6s 


5 s 






1740, 


145 


lOs 6d 


Is 6d 


6s 






1741, 


150 












1742, 


160 












1743, 


160 








" £20 added to buy wood." 




1744, 


160 








" £20 added to buy wood." 




1745, 


160 


15s 


lOs 


7s 


" £20 to buy wood." 




174G, 


200 












1747, 


30U 












174S, 


300 












1749, 


400 












1750, 


400 












1751, 


OOU 








and wood. 




1752, 


500 












] 753, 


600 












1754, 


600 












1755, 


606 








" Old tenor, or £55 lawful money." 




1756, 


60 








" Lawful, or proclamation money." 




1757, 


60 








" Lawful money." 





Lands laid out during' Mr. Woodbridg-e^s ministry from 1720 
to 1758. 

(1) 1743, Glastenhurij, Jirst purchase. 

At a meeting of the Proprietors of the undivided lands in Glastenbury — 
March 7, 1743. 

" Whereas there is a piece or parcel of land in Glastenbury, between the 
' four score acre lots' and Middletown North bounds, part of which remaint; 
yet in common and undivided, and the said proprietors thinking it proper 
that the same be divided and laid out in severalty in some suitable form, with 
sufficient highways — Whereupon the said Proprietors, do now by their vote 
agree that there be a highway of about six rods wide from the country road 
eastward, to the end of the ' fore score acre lots,' next adjoining to them, and 
that there be a cross highway of about ten rods wide from said six rod high- 
way to jVIiddletown bounds, about every half mile from said country road 
eastward to the end of the said lots, and that the remaining part of the said 
undivided land, the said Proprietors do now at [this] said meeting by their 
vote give, grant, divide and sett out to the several persons hereafter men- 
tioned, or their heirs, in a ratable proportion according to the number of 

6 



82 

pounds to each of their names annexed, to be holden to them, their heirs and 
assigns forever ; and the same to be laid out to them in tiers according to the 
draught now drawn, — the first tier to be from said country road. West to the 
Great River, the rest on the East side of said road to be in about half mile 
tiers, between said cross highways, the draught to begin number 1, on the 
first tier next to the four-score acre lots, and so to proceed South to No. 2, 
&c., until that tier be finished, and then to begin at the six rod highway, on 
the East side of the said road, and then proceed South and North, until the 
whole be finished. 

These lands ^ere laid out in 1 743, and the records of the surveys are all in 
Vol. IV. of Glastenbury Land Records, at the pages specified. 



Heirs Samuel Smith, 

" Capt. Samuel Welles, 

" John Hubbard, 

" Thomas Treat, 

" Capt. Eph. Goodrich, 
Capt. Jonathan and Benjamin Hale; 
Heirs Dea. Jonathan Smith, 

" Thomas Hale, 

" William Wickham, . 

'• John Kilboin, 

" Joseph nm, 

" John HoUister tlie younger, 

" Deac. Thomas Hollister, 
Joseph and Joseph Hollister, Jr., 
Heirs Joseph Smith, 

" Benjamin Smith, 

" William House, 

" Thomas Loveland, 

" Joseph Bidwell, 

" Richard Fox, 

" John Strickland, 
Joseph Brewer in right of his father, 
Capt. Nathaniel Talcott, 
Heirs Deac. Benjamin Talcott, 

" Thomas Kimberly, Esq., 
Daniel Wright, 
Samuel Hale, 
David Hollister, 
Heirs Edward Benton, 

" John Hale, 

" Samuel Miller, 
Abner and Isaac Moseley, 
Samuel Gaines, 
Heirs Epliraim Hollister, 



£ No. 


A. 


R. 


P. 


160 


15 


39 


32 


401 


160 


11 


39 


32 


400 


160 


S 


39 


32 


399 


160 


22 


39 


32 


404 


160 


34 


39 


32 


408 


160 


34 


39 


32 


398 


120 


16 


29 


64 


402 


120 


19 


29 


64 


403 


120 


33 


29 


64 


407 


120 


31 


29 


64 


407 


120 


23 


29 


64 


404 


100 


30 


24 


80 


406 


100 


14 


24 


80 


401 


100 


2S 


24 


SO 


406 


100 


20 


24 


SO 


403 


100 


24 


24 


SO 


404 


100 


29 


24 


so 


406 


100 


3 


24 


so 


39S 


100 


13 


24 


SO 


401 


100 


9 


24 


so 


399 


100 


25 


24 


80 


402 


70 


17 


17 


24 


397 


70 


26 


17 


24 


405 


70 


2 


17 


24 


397 


70 


21 


17 


24 


403 


50 


12 


12 


40 


400 


50 


7 


12 


40 


399 


50 


10 


12 


40 


400 


50 


32 


12 


40 


407 


50 


18 


12 


40 


402 


50 


5 


12 


40 


39S 


40 


1 


9 


132 


397 


30 


6 


7 


56 


398 


30 


27 


7 


56 


405 



(2) Glastenbunj second purchase,— mile of common. 

At a meeting of the Proprietors of the common and undivided land in 
Glastenbury, held April 25, 1757. 

" Voted and agreed that the undivided land in the mile of common (so 
called) shall be divided and laid out in severalty to each person in a ratable 
proportion according to the number of pounds arising on the land they put into 
their respective lists last year-viz. 1756, * * * * whereupon it is voted and 
agreed that there be a highway laid out next to the three mUe lots, or as near 
as may be, of a suitable width, not less than four rods [wide] in any part of 
It, and that from the North to the South bounds of the Town ; and also that 
there be suitable highways laid out in all other parts of the undivided lands 
in said mile of common, and the remainder of said undivided land, which is 
about nine hundred acres, the said Prorietors do now by their vote <nve 
grant, divide, and order to be set out in severalty, in a ratable proportion' 
to each inhabitant Proprietor in said Town, according to their respective lists 
of lands for 1756," which was brought into the meeting and ordered to be 
recorded. 



An account of the names of the 


Proprietors, and each 


one's land list, 








April 2b, 1757. 




NAMES. 


£. 


s. 


d. 


REMARKS. 


Y. B. P. 


Capt. Thomas Welles, 


Ill 






IS acres, 136 rods, 


1758 VI 106 


Capt. Jona. Hale, 


66 






S acres, 40 rods. 


1758 VI 106 


Capt. Abner Moseley, 


77 


15 




9 acres, 115 rods, 


1758 VI 28 


Capt. Samuel Talcott, 


34 


2 




44 acres, 40 rods. 


1758 VI 115 


Lt. Samuel Kimberjy, 


93 


10 




60 acres, 42 rods, 


1758 VI 106 


Maj. Elizur Talcott, 


68 


7 




8 acres, 87 rods, 


1758 VI 125 


Mr. Abraham Kilborn, 


45 


6 




7 acres, 113 rods. 


1758 VI 117 


Mr. Renj. Hale, 


54 10 




23 acres, 25 rods. 


17.58 VI 114 


I^Ir. Timothy Hale, 


40 


10 




5 acres, 10 rods, 


1758 VI 126 


Mr. Win. Welles, 


42 


9 




60 acres, 42 rods. 


1758 VI 107-8 


Serj. John Welles, 


53 


10 




15 acres, 2 rods, 


1758 VI 109 


Ens. Isaac Moseley, 


65 


16 




308 acres, 35 rods. 


1758 VI 111 


Benoni House, 


25 


4 


6 


4 acres, 45 rods. 


17.58 VI 12S 


Serj. Jona. Hale, Jr., 


47 






20 acres, 


1758 VI lis 


Mr. Thaddeus Welles, 


19 






3 acres, 149 rods. 


1758 VI 119 


Capt. David Hubbard, 


40 


2 




sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 108 


Ephraim Bidwell, 


15 


4 




1 acre, 144 rods. 


17.58 VI H7 


Mr. Jos. Smith, Gl'k, 


67 


5 




sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 112 


.Joseph Hill, 


2 


12 




2 acres, 37 rods. 


1758 VI 174 


Mr. Richard Smith, 


35 






4 acres, 153 rods. 


1758 VI 117 


Joseph Hollister, 


25 


S 


6 


sold, John Welles, 


1758 VI 109 


Mr. Jeduthan Sijjith, 


36 


10 




5 acres, 28 rods. 


1758 VI lis 


Serj. Joseph House, 


21 


17 




3 acres, 119 rods. 


1758 VI 128 


William Miller, 


18 


14 




2 acres, 54 rods. 


1758 VI 178 


Eben'r Benton, a minor 


•. 9 


15 


9 


2 acres, 80 rods. 


1758 VI 170 


S. and A. Benton, " 


7 


7 


9 


1 acre, 52 rods, 


1758 VI 173 


Hannah Easton and Ruth 










and Abigail Benton, 


1 


2 


6 


40 rods, 


1750 VI 170 



84 



NAMES. 

Doct. Elizur Hale, 
Timothy Hale, Jr., 
Joseph Stevens, 
Ebenezer Kilborn, 
Joseph Smith, Jr., 
Thomas Goodrich, 
Joseph Bidwell, 
Joseph Fox, 
David Miles, 
Samuel Williams, 
Eleazar Hubbard, 
Heirs Joseph Bidwell, 
Moses Hale, 
John Mosely, Jr. 
Eph. Hubbard, Jr., 
Gideon Goodrich, 
Nath'l Talcott, Jr., 
Serj. Hez. Wright, 
Joseph Kilborn, 
Richard Fox, 
Serj. Samuel Welles, 
Mr. Tliomas Treat, 
Jona. Webster, Jr., 
Mr. Ebenezer Plummer 
Gershom Wheeler, 
Wm. Dinsmore, 
Joseph Tryon, 
Elisha Goodrich, 
Daniel Ward, 
Sam'l Goodrich, 
Mr. Isaac Treat, 
Wm. Tryon, 
Richard Risley, 
David Loveland, 
Thomas Goodrich, Jr., 
Benj. Stevens, 
Charles Eddy, 
Hez. Bidwell, 
Jona. Hubbard, 
Moses Scott, 
Joseph Stevens, Jr., 
Hosea Fox, 
Peter Treat, 
Joseph Talcott, 
Jona. Treat, 
Noah Tryon, 
Ens. David Goodrich, 
Samuel Stratton, 



£. s. 

6 19 
IS 6 
19 15 
13 
26 4 

9 15 

6 10 

2 



25 10 
12 12 
17 10 

11 S 
27 15 

12 10 
21 9 



9 
4 
16 
15 

10 
6 

9 6 
16 6 

10 

28 4 

5 S 

9 12 

13 6 

9 

10 2 
10 13 

2 10 

3 7 
7 

3 
16 19 

3 7 
15 
40 12 

1 



REMARKS. 

sold, I. Mosely, 

2 acres, 16 rods, 
6 acres, 68 rods, 

sold, I. Mosely, 
sold, Wm. Welles, 
sold, Wm. Welles, 
sold, I. Mosely, 
2 acres, 120 rods. 



sold, I. Mosely, 

3 acres, 31 rods, 
sold, Amos Hollister, 
sold, J. Benton, 
sold, J. Benton, 
3 acres, 104 rods, 
sold, J. Benton, 
sold, J. Benton, 
13 acres, 30 rods, 
3 acres, 148 rods, 
sold, Wm. Welles, 
sold, I. Mosely, 
sold, J. Benton, 
sold, David Wickham 
sold, Jona. Welles, 
sold, I. Mosely, 
sold, I. Mosely, 

1 acre, 62 rods, 
sold, Wm. Welles, 
sold, I, Mosely, 

sold, I. Mosely, 
sold, Wm. Welles, 

sold, I. Mosely, 

sold, I. Mosely, 

2 acres, 24 rods, 
4 acres, 90 rods, 
sold, W. Welles, 
sold, W. Welles, 
sold, I. Mosely, 

1 acre, 44 rods, 
sold, I. Mosely, 
sold, Jona. Welles, 
sold, Jona. Hollister, 
5 acres, 12 rods, 
1 acre, 



Y. B. P. 

1758 VI 111 

1758 VI 129 
1758 VI 169 

1758 VI 111 
1758 VI 107 
1760 VI 130 
1758 VI 112 
1758 VI 170 



1758 VI 111 

1758 VI 178 
1758 VI 120 
1758 VI 110 
1758 VI 110 
1758 VI 120 
1758 VI 110 
1758 VI 110 
1758 VI 116 
1758 VI 166 
1758 VI 107 
1758 VI 111 
1758 VI 160 
, 1758 VI 126 
1758 VI 119 
1758 VI 111 
1758 VI 111 
1758 VI 124 
1758 VI 107 
1758 VI 111 
1758 VI 111 
1758 VI 107 
1758 VI 111 
1758 VI 112 
1758 VI 174 
1758 VI 171 
1758 VI 107 
1758 VI 107 
1758 VI 112 
17.58 VI 172 
1758 VI HI 
1758 VI 119 
1758 VI 123 
1758 VI 125 
1758 VI 128 



85 



NAMES. 


£. s. d. 


REM.4EKS. 


y. B. p. 


Job Risley, 


19 18 6 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 112 


Steph. Goodrich, 


9 12 


sold, L Mosely, 


1758 VI 111 


Heirs Mrs. A. Taylor, d, 


„16 5 


5 acres, 120 rods. 


1758 VI 176 


Capt. Elisha HoUister, 


13 12 


5 acres, 130 rods. 


1758 VI 118 


Elijah HoUister, 


11 15 


1 acre, 75 rods. 


1758 VI 127 


Benjamin Hill, 


2 


1 acre, 110 rods, 


1758 VI 174 


John Miller, 


15 9 


7 acres, 90 rods, 


1758 VI 130 


Thankful Brewer, 


1 6 


see E. Kilborn, 


VI 169 


Amos HoUister, 


11 12 


21 acres, 140 rods, 


1758 VI 128 


Abraham HoUister, 


17 15 


2 acres, 60 rods. 


1758 VI 173 


Jeremiah HoUister, 


13 15 


sold, John Miller. 


1758 VI 1.30 


Jona. House, 


1 10 


sold, J. Benton, 


1758 VI 110 


Serg. David Hale, 


12 17 6 


5 acres, 75 rods, 


175S VI 121 


Jonathan HoUister, 


22 5 


6 acres, 54 rods. 


1758 VI 123 


John House, 


13 16 


sold, John Welles, 


1758 VI 109 


David Wickham, 


3 7 6 


11 acres, SO rods. 


1758 VI 126 


Serg. Wm. Goodrich, 


17 5 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 108 


Thomas Matson, 


S 


28 acres, 203 rods, 


1758 VI 124 


Ebenezer Fox, 


^7 10 


sold, J. Benton, 


1758 VI 109 


Heirs Derotheus Treat, 


20 14 


2 acres, 136 rods, 


1758 VI 122 


Benj. Tryon, 


1 






Josiah Brooks, 


2 15 






Wid. Loveland, 


6 15 






Eleaz. HoUister, 


4 8 






Benoni Smith, 


8 13 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 108 


John Curtice, 


10 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 112 


Benj. Keeney, 


1 4 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 107 


Ens. John HiU, 


17 4 


sold, I. Mosely, 


175S VI 111 


Isaac Hale, 


13 12 






Lot Loveland, Jr., 


2 






Elisha Loveland, 


10 IS 


1 acre, 26 rods. 


1758 VI 173 


Thomas Morley, 


11 2 


sold, L Mosely, 


1758 VI 112 


Timothy Morley, 


1 10 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 114 


Robert Loveland. 


6 18 


sold, L Mosely, 


1758 VI 111 


Benjamin Loomis, 


15 10 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 107 


Daniel Wright, Jr, 


23 11 


sold, J. Benton, 


1758 VI 110 


Thomas Risley, 


9 14 


sold. Job Risley, 


1758 VI 177 


Thomas Sparks, 


6 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 112 


Benj. Strickland, 


25 8 


sold, L Mosely, 


1758 VI 112 


Joseph Goodale, 


6 6 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


175S VI 107 


Simeon Strickland, 


1 






Ebenezer Scott, 


9 2 


2 acres, 9 rods, 


1758 VI 175 


Abraham Skinner, 


11 14 


sold, John Welles, 


1759 VI 136 


Rich. Chamberlin, 


2 10 


sold. Job Risly, 


175S VI 177 


Zebulon Scott, 


9 16 


sold, L Mosely, 


1758 VI 111 


Deac. Eph. Hubbard, 


7 19 


3 acres, 31, 


1758 VI 178 


Charles Andrews, 


13 8 


2 acres, 130 rods. 


17.58 VI 171 



86 



NAMES. 


£. s. 


REMARKS. 


Y. B. P. 


Stephen Andrews, 


6 16 


1 acre, 118 rods. 


1758 VI 171 


Eleazer Strong, 


19 1 


soldWm. Welles, 


1758 VI 108 


Stephen Webster, 


5 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 100 


John Morley, 


2 


sold, I. Mosely, 


,1758 VI 111 


John Holden,Jr., 


1 


acre, 20 rods. 


1758 VI 121 


John Finley, 


1 IS 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 107 


John Root, 


5 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


175S VI 107 


Lt. Daniel Chamberhiin, 


,13 10 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 112 


Capt. David Dickinson, 


20 16 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 108 


James Goodrich, 


8 6 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 107 


Rob. Loveland, (Hebron,) 6 4 






Benj. Skinner, 


15 6 






Jonathan "Webster, 


6 16 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1752 VI 111 


John Waddams, 


7 16 


sold, Chas. Hollister, 


1758 VI 168 


Peter Huxford, 


14 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 111 


Stephen Perrin, 


S 9 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI HI 


Goin Finley, 


10 2 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 107 


Nath. C. Hollister, 


6 






Daniel Chamberlin, Jr. 


, 5 






Ozias Nichols, 


6 1 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 107 


Thomas Keeney, 


10 6 


sold, L Mosely, 


1758 VI 111 


John Wyard, 


8 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 107 


Capt. Tim. Hollister, 


21 12 


sold. Job Risley, 


1758 VI 177 


Lt. Gideon Hollister, 


21 4 






Nehemiah Strickland, 


17 2 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 111 


Hez. Wickham, 


19 


5 acres, 96 rods. 


1758 VI 122 


Daniel House, 


20 13 


sold, J. Benton, 


1758 VI 110 


Isaac Stratton, 


S 12 


9 acres, 22 rods, 


1758 VI 170 


John Stratton, 


12 S 






Thomas Fox, 


4 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 107 


Ens. Steph. Strfckland, 


, 15 12 


11 acres, 60 rods. 


1758 VI 117 


Lt. David Hubbard, 


13 


sold, L Mosely, 


1758 VI 112 


Hez. Hubbard, 


10 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 111 


Wm. House, 


25 


sold, J. Benton, 


1758 VI 116 


Sam. Loveland, 


5 S 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 112 


John Hill, Jr., 


8 14 


sold, I. Mosely, 


1758 VI 111 


Tho. Hollister, 


21 16 


17 acres, 10 rods. 


1758 VI 123 


William Fox, 


6 


3 acres, 150 rods. 


1758 VI 129 


Charles Risley, 


4 18 


sold, L Mosely, 


1758 VI 111 


Serg. Abram Fox, 


3 10 


1 acre, 76 rods. 


1758 VI 130 


Jonah Fox, 


3 


SeeWm. Fox, 


VI 129 


Hez. Brewer, 


8 


sold, J. Benton, 


1758 VI 110 


Chas. Hollister, 


7 


2 acres, 112 rods. 


175S VI 129 


Caleb Waddams, 


10 10 


sold, Chas. Hollister, 


1758 VI 168 


Jesse Welden, 


5 18 


sold, I. Mosely 


1758 VI 111 


Serg. Tho. Loveland, 


10 2 


sold, L Mosely, 


1758 VI 111 


John Nevill, 


2 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 VI 107 


Mrs. J. Lamb, or Judd 


, 13 10 







87 



NAMES, 


£. 


s. 


REMARKS. 


Y. B. P. 


Mrs. Rachel Collins, 


3 




sold, I. Moseiy, 


175S VI 111 


Mr. John Kimberley, 


30 


2 


7 acres, 152 rods. 


1758 VI 121 


Heirs John Smith, 


. 6 


2 






Samuel Brooks, 


1 


5 


sold, Wm. Welles, 


1758 Vr 107 


Sarah, wife John Keeny, 3 




sold, L Moseiy, 


1758 VI 111 


Simeon Alger, 


3 




sold, L Moseiy, 


1758 VI 111 


John Holden, 


1 


8 


acres, 28 rods, 


1758 VI 172 


Daniel Pratt, 


7 


7 


sold, I. Moseiy, 


1758 VI 112 


Heirs Manoah Smith, 


41 


4 


8 acres, 85, 


1758 VI 168 


Eliphalet Fox, 


1 




sold, I. Moseiy, 


1758 VI 111 


Mr. Josiah Benton, 


41 


16 


51 acres, 117 rods. 


1753 VI 109 


Heirs John Loveland, 


9 10 


1 acre, 80, 


1750 VI 175 


John Hodge, 


1 




sold, I. Moseiy, 


1758 VI 111 


Lot Loveland, 


7 


16 


sold,:. Moseiy, 


1758 VI 111 


Jesse Strong, 


3 




sold, Wm. Welles, 


1753 VI 103 


Abraham Hill, 


16 








John Russell, Weth , 






sold, Josiah Benton, 


1760 VI 69 


Gershom Smith, Weth., 






sold, Josiah Benton, 


1760 VI S6 



REV. JOHN EELLS, 1759-1791. 

Rev. Mr. Woodbridge dying in September, 1758, the par- 
ish applied " to the Rev. Elders of the Association for advice 
and direction," who recommended Mr. John Eells as such a 
person as they desired. He was accordingly called, on a sal- 
ary of « £80 lawful money," and " £200 settlement." He 
was also to have thirty-five cords of wood annually, deliver- 
ed at his door, with permission to cut timber and fencing on 
the parsonage land near Nipsic. This call being accepted, 
Mr. Eells was ordained, June 27th, 1759, being then twen- 
ty-three years of age. The period of Mr. Eells' ministry, ex- 
tending from 1759 to 1791, including the Revolution and its 
procuring causes, is a period of deep and thrilling interest, in 
which the Civil is made to predominate over the Ecclesiasti- 
cal, so separating the two, that they never became as thor- 
oughly united as before. It is from that event, indeed, 
that we are to date the beginning of that divorce between 
Church and State, in this country, which has since become 
so complete. 

The ministry of Mr. John Eells also includes the period 
of the French and Spanish war, which witnessed the taking 
of Havanna. This war is of immediate interest to this place, 



88 

only on account of the part taken by our citizens in that 
event. How many men went from Glastenbury to Havana, 
we have been unable to ascertain; but the church records of 
the first society contain the following entry under date of 
November, 1762 : 

Died " William Holllster, in the army at the Havannah. 

" Timothy Brooks, in the army at the Havannah. 

" John Morley, in the army at the Havannah 

" Moses Scot, in the army at the Havannah. 

" Benjamin Loveland, in the army at the Havannah. 

" Robert Hollister, on his passage from the Havanah. 

" Jonathan Price, returning from the Havannah." 

Rev. John Eells of Glastenbury, the son of Rev. Nathan- 
iel Eells of Stonington, was graduated at Yale, 1755, ordain- 
ed in Glastenbury June 27th, 1759; died May 17th, 1791, 
in the fifty-fifth year of his age, and the thirty-second of his 
ministry. He married, first, Sibil, daughter of Nathaniel 
Huntington of Windham, September 22d, 1764. She died 
November 20th, 1773. Her children were, — 

Roger b. Grad. Yale, 1785, studied law ; d. Sept. 1790. 

Mary, b. April 10, 176 7, m. Daniel Wadsworth. 
Sibil, b. Jan. 27,1769, m. Miles Law. 
John, b. Nov. 20, 1773, m. Mirriam Robbins. 

Mr. Eells married for his second wife, Sarah, daughter of 
Solomon Welles of Wethersfield, December 24th, 1776, and 
had, — 

Sarah, b. Oct. 18, 1777, d. Feb. 1826. 

Nathaniel, b. Oct. 20, 1778, d. at sea. 
Nancy, b. Oct. 23, 1779. 
Eunice, b. June 23, 1782, m. Oliver Hale. 

Mr. Eells was a descendant of Mr. Samuel Eells, one of the 
first settlers of Milford, who moved from thence to Hingham, 
Mass. His son, or more probably, grandson, Nathaniel, born, 
1678, graduated at Harvard, 1699, died April 25th, 1750, 
was minister of Scituate from 1704 to his death. His son, 
Nathaniel, graduated at Harvard, 1728, settled at Stoning- 
ton, July 14th,1733 ; died 1786. Another son, Edward, grad- 



89 

uated at Harvard, 1733, settled at Upper Middletown, Sep- 
tember 6th, 1738 ; died 1776. Rev. John Eells of Glasten- 
bury, was son of Nathaniel Eells, and Rev. James Eells, whom 
we shall have occasion to speak of as the minister of East- 
bury, was the son of Rev. Edwards Eells. The Rev. Sam- 
uel Eells of North Branford, who, having raised a volunteer 
company in his own congregation, was chosen captain, and 
entered the Revolution in that capacity, was also son of Rev. 
Edward Eells.* 

We cannot forbear remarking, in this place, that the very 
peaceful and happy state of things which reigned in the 
first Ecclesiastical Society, and in the second also, so far as 
the people could control this matter, during all the preced- 
ing period, seems to have realized something of the wish of 
the founders of the town. From the passing of the act of 
incorporation of the town in 1690, to the death of Mr. Eells 
in 1791, there had been but three ministers in the first socie- 
ty, and but five in the second. And it should be further add- 
ed, that so far as we can judge from the records, or have 
learned from tradition, there never had been the slightest in- 
terruption of harmony in the pastoral relation, during all that 
time ; no hint of the slightest difficulty between pastor or 
people being met with. A century of perfect unity in a 
parish, is a thing almost without a parallel, and in this res- 
pect, certainly entitles Glastenbiirij to her name. 

EASTBURY. 

Rev. Samuel Woodbridge. After the death of Mr. 
Chalker in May, 1765, the ministers in the vicinity supplied 
the ]mlpit some time for the benefit of the family. On the 
24th of May, 1766, the society gave Mr. Woodbridge a call, 
with a salary of X 60 a year and a settlement of X150, which 
was subsequently increased to X70 for salary and ,£200 set- 
tlement. He was ordained on the last Wednesday of June, 
1766. Mr. W. was the son of Rev. Ashbel Woodbridge of 



* Am. Q. R. IV. 20S. VIII. 148, 158. Eells' MSS. Mon. Glas. and East. 
B. G. 



90 

Glastenbury,born January 22d, 1740, graduated at Yale, 1763. 
Mr. Woodbridge had been settled at Eastbury but a little 
more than a year, when he lost his reason, brought on, as 
was supposed, by his unremitting study, allowing himself 
only four hours, from twelve to four, for sleep. After his de- 
rangement had continued some months, his connection with 
the parish was dissolved by mutual consent of his friends, 
the Association and the parish. For nine months he was 
obliged to be confined with chains, yet he recovered his reas- 
on and health, and lived until July 23d, 1797. After recov- 
ering his reason, he was greatly grieved at finding himself 
dismissed, and declined taking -another parish. He preach- 
ed, however, fifteen months in Virginia and eight in Geor- 
gia, and was a chaplain during a part of the Revolution. He 
subsequently settled in West Hartland, and became an ag- 
riculturalist, preaching, however, as occasion called in the 
neighboring towns. In 1779, he married Elizabeth Good- 
man of West Hartford, a descendant of one of the early 
settlers of Hartford, by whom he had two children, one daugh- 
ter and one son, Samuel E. Woodbridge, of Hartland until 
1834, now of Perth Amboy, N. J., a worthy man and a suc- 
cessful teacher.* 

E,EV. James Eells. In December, 1768, the society of 
Eastbury voted to hire some one to preach on probation, 
under which vote the Rev. James Eells, son of Rev. Edward 
Eells of Upper Middletown, cousin of Rev. John Eells of 
Glastenbury, was procured. On the 20th of the April fol- 
lowing, (1769,) he \vas unanimously called to the work of 
the ministry in that society, with a salary of <£70 and a set- 
tlement of £100, the use of forty acres of parsonage land and 
twenty-five cords of wood annually. Mr. Eells graduated at 
Yale, 1765, studied divinity with Rev. Dr. Backus of Somers, 
was ordained August 23d, 1769, the service being held on a 
large flat rock in the vicinity of the meeting house, the ordi- 
nation sermon being preached by the father, Rev. Edward 
Eells. 



Am. Q. R. IV. 308. MSS. S. G. W. 



91 

Mr. Eells married Mary Johnson of Upper Middletown, 
in 1770, and left a son, James Eells ; graduated at Yale, 1799, 
settled at dismissed in , and subsequent- 
ly devoted himself to teaching. He has a son, Rev. James 
Eells, Jr., graduated at Hamilton College, 1845, now settled 
at Penn Yan. 

During the ministry of Mr. Eells, the society began to feel 
the inconvenience of having its Meeting House so far from 
the center of the society, and as early as 1800, measures 
were taken to build a new one in a more central place. The 
efforts made to obtain means for this purpose not being suc- 
cessful, the society voted in 1806, to petition the General 
Assembly for a lottery to raise funds for that purpose. The 
petition was granted, and permission given to raise $2,000. 
The lottery seems to have gone into operation the same year, 
as the society's committee were authorized to purchase $50 
worth of tickets. It does not appear from the records of the 
society, however, that the parish ever received any benefit or 
funds from the lottery, and we learn from other sources that 
large losses incurred by the managers, swallowed up a large 
amount of profits. The trustees, however, seem to have 
procured funds from other sources, for in 1819, the society 
voted "to sell the old Meeting House and the land on 
which it stands ;" and in March, 1821, further "voted to ac- 
cept this Meeting House from the proprietors." 

Rev. Mr. Eells died January 20th, 1805, in the sixty-second 
year of his age, and the thirty-fifth of his ministry. He, like 
Mr. Chalker, seems to have found his salary too small to 
live upon, as his property passed into the hands of trustees, 
of whom it was purchased by the society and rented to him 
at the nominal sum of £5 a year. During the last two or 
three years of his life, the society provided him with a home, 
with the requisite board ahd clothing, paying him <£50 a year 
salary. The singular manner in which some of these votes 
are worded, is calculated to raise a smile as we read them : 

" Oct. 1 1th, 1803. Voted, that Capt. take care of Mr. Eells the year 

cnsuinsr. 



92 

" Voted, that Capt. shall procure cloathing for Mr. Eells, as shall 

be necessary, the year ensuing. 

" Nov. 1804. Voted, that the Committee dispose of Rev. James Eells, as 
they shall think best." 

After the death of Mr. Eells, the following votes, indicat- 
ing a peculiar use of ecclesiastical language, were passed : 

" March 4th, 1805. Voted, that Deacon Gibson go among the neighboring 
Priests, to see if they will give us any assistance. 

" Voted, Samuel Covel take care of the Priests Sundays." 

GENERAL fflSTORY— REVOLUTIONARY OMENS. 

The ministry of the two cousins, the Rev. John Eells of 
Glastenbury, and Rev. James Eells of Eastbury, spans the 
entire period of the Revolution, in which the people of Glas- 
tenbury deeply sympathized from the outset. The first pub- 
lic record in reference to this subject, bears date August 27th, 
1770, when the following spirited resolutions were adopted 
by vote of the town : 

" Agreeable to the desire of the Committee of Correspondence, requesting 
a meeting of the inhabitants of the several towns in this Colony, to make 
choice of suitable person or persons to attend a meeting of the Mercantile and 
Landholding interests in this Colony, to be holden at New Haven on the 13th 
of September next, — Then and there to consider of, and resolve upon such 
measures as are proper to be taken for the support of the non-importation 
agreement, so important, (at this critical conjuncture,) to the Plantations in 
America, belonging to the British crown ; also, to consider the alarming con- 
duct of a neighboring colony, (viz.) New York, shamefully violating said 
agreement : — 

" Voted and Resolved, that we do highly approve of the aforesaid propos- 
al and request, and accordingly do appoint Messrs. Jonathan AVelles and Eb- 
enezer Plummer, to represent us at said meeting for the purpose aforesaid, 
and as we judge the affairs there to be transacted, to be of the most interest- 
ing importance to us in this Colony, and to all America, it is further — 

" Resolved, that the following advice and instructions be given to [our 
Representatives] Messrs. Jonathan Welles and Ebenezer Plummer." 

l^Instructions.'] 
" Since we have put so much confidence in your wisdom, fidelity and in- 
tegrity, as to appoint you our Representatives, to attend the proposed meet- 
in"- of Merchants and Landholders at the abovesaid time and place, we trust 
you will exert yourselves with a laudable zeal, that is becoming every true 



93 

lover of his country, in concerting and prosecuting such plans and measures, 
as are necessary for the defending of our just rights, our common liberties 
and peculiar privileges, which we, and the other inhabitants of this Colony 
(under God) have heretofore long enjoyed ; especially since the present sea- 
son is so alarming, not only on account of the spirited attempts of our potent 
enemies abroad, but by the treachery of some of our brethren, who, to ad- 
vance their own sordid, private interests, have violated the most salutary 
agreement, viz., that of non importation, and by this means, have given a 
fatal blow to the cause of Liberty. You will permit us, therefore, to advise, 
that you will endeavor without relaxation, to support inviolate the said agree- 
ment of non-importation, come into and agreed upon by the greatest part of 
the Americans, which we esteem the most effectual expedient to procure a 
redress of our grievance, and a removal of all unconstitutional courts and 
duties ; for you cannot but be sensible that the reasons for coming into said 
agreement, at first, will continue to operate in their full force, so long as the 
duty on one single article remains as a test of Parliamentary power to tax 
America, without her consent or representation, and as a large number of 
merchants and traders in the Colony of New York have of late, in direct op- 
position to the general sense of the Americans, been guilty of a very criminal 
and perfidious breach of said agreement, and hereby have shamefully betray- 
ed their country's cause. We further offer it as our opinion that, for the 
future, no commercial intercourse, by any in this Colony be held with the 
inhabitants of that government either directly or indirectly, until the Revenue 
acts are repealed, our grievances redressed, or until they make public satis- 
faction for their imprudent, unadvised, and impudent conduct ; — and this de- 
termination to have [no] dealings with them, we judge ought to extend to an 
absolute refusal of transacting any business in favor of said importers ; and 
likewise that all connections be withdrawn from those in this Colony, who 
shall presume hereafter to carry on any traflic or trade, with those betrayers 
of their country, until they shall give proper satisfaction for their offensive 
conduct. You will not foil, gentlemen, to exert yourselves, that resolutions 
of this kind be come into, and whatever else the friends of the liberties of this 
Colony with whom you may have the honor to consult, shall judge expedient 
at this important crisis, for the security of all our invaluable rights and priv- 
ileges to us, and transmitting down the same to our unborn posterity. 

" In order to carry into effect the measures proposed, a committee of three 
were appointed, to see that no goods were imported into this town from New 
York until the Revenue acts were repealed." 

This was in 1770, and so far as appears of record, all re- 
mained quiet in Glastenbury until 1774, when the following 
address to the people of Boston was adopted and forwarded, 
immediately after the news of the passage, by parliament, of 
the "Boston Port Bill:" 



94 

« At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Glastenbury, on the 23d clay 
of June, A. D. 1774, Col. Elizur Talcott, Chairman: 

" Voted, That it is the opinion of this meeting that the act of Parliament im- 
posing a duty on tea exported to America, for the purpose of raising a reve- 
nue, is subversive of the rights and liberties of the British Americans, un- 
constitutional and oppressive. And we consider the late act of Parliament 
for blocking up the port of Boston, and others that are pending with respect 
to the province of ISIassachusetts Bay, designed not only to enslave that prov- 
ince, but, as we hold our liberties and privileges on the same footing with 
them, we consider those acts as aimed at the liberties of all the English colo- 
nies in America. 

" We, therefore, are resolved to exert ourselves to the utmost of our pow- 
er, in every laAvful way, to oppose, resist, and if possible, defeat the designs 
of our enemies to enslave us. And we are of opinion, that the safest and most 
effectual method to obtain a repeal of those acts, and to restore us to the 
enjoyment of our rights and privileges, will be an universal agi-eement of all 
the colonies, that all commercial connections with Great Britain and the West 
Indies be withheld. And as we are informed that a General Congress of all 
the colonies is proposed, we are of opinion that such a Congress would be 
very expedient, and that [that] is the most probable method to cement the 
colonies together in a firm union, on which (under God,) our only security 
depends. And when this Congress shall convene, (which we hope will be as 
soon as possible,) we shall be ready to adopt any measures which shall be 
thought by them to be the most effectual to obtain relief from the burdens of 
which we so justly complain. 

" Voted, That Col. Elizur Talcott, William Welles, Capt. Ehsha Hollister, 
Ebenezer Plummer, Isaac Mosely, Thomas Kimberley and Josiah Hale, be 
a committeee of correspondence, to receive and answer all letters, and to pro- 
mote and forward such contributions as shall be made in this town, for the 
relief of our distressed friends in Boston, and that they transmit a copy of 
the proceedings of this meeting to the committee of correspondence at Bos- 
ton, as soon as possible."* 

These resolutions were enclosed in the following pertinent 
and appropriate letter, which does honor both to the head 
and the heart of the writer : 

" Glassenbury in Connectlcutt, 23d June, 1774. 
" Gentlemen — 

" We cannot but deeply simpathize witli you under the gloomy prospects 
which at present are before you, on account of those oppressive acts of Par- 
liament which have lately been passed, respecting Boston in particular, and 



* A copy of this paper was forwarded lo Boston, and is printed in Hin- 
man's War of the Revolution, pp. 68, G9. 



95 

the province of Massachusetts Bay in general. Especially when we consid- 
er that our liberties and privileges, are so nearly and indissolubly connected 
with yours, that an encroachment upon one at least, destroys all the security 
of the other. It seems the Parliament of Great Britain are determined to 
reduce America to a state of vassalage, and unless we all unite in the com- 
mon cause, they will undoubtedly accomplish their design. We are sur- 
prized to find so many of the merchants in Boston courting favour of the 
tools of the ministry, and heaping encomiums on that Enemy to liberty, that 
traitor to his country, and abettor, if not author of all these evils to America. 
However we hope the spirit of liberty is not yet entirely fled from Boston, 
but that you will yet hold out, and to the last resist and oppose those who 
are striving to enslave America. You may depend on us, and we believe all 
Connecticut almost to a man, to stand by you and assist you in the defence 
of our invaluable rights and privileges, even to the sacrificing of our lives 
and fortunes, in so good a cause. You will see the determinations and re- 
solves of this Town, which we have enclosed. A subscription is set on foot 
for the relief of the poor in Boston, and what money or provisions shall 
be collected, we shall forward as soon as possible. We are informed that 
your house of Representatives have appointed a time, for the meeting of the 
general congress, in which we hope all the colonies Avill concur, and that a 
nonimportation and nonexportation agreement, will be immediately come in- 
to, which we doubt not will procure the desired eflfect ; and notwithstanding 
the gloomy aspect of things at present, we cannot but look forward, with 
fond hopes and pleasing expectations, to that glorious era, when America in 
spite of all the efforts of her enemies to the contrary, shall rise superior to 
all opposition, overcome oppression, be a refuge for the oppressed, a nurse of 
liberty, a scourge to Tyranny, and the envy of the world — then (If you 
stand firm and unshaken amidst the storm of ministerial vengeance) shall it 
be told to your everlasting honor, that Boston stood foremost in the cause of 
liberty, when the greatest power on Earth was striving to divest them of it, 
and by their noble efforts, joined with the united virtue of her sister Colo- 
nies, they overcame, and thereby transmitted to posterity, those invaluable 
rights and privileges, which their forefathers purchased with their blood — and 
now Gentlemen relying on your steadiness and firmness in the common 
cause, we subscribe y most obdt Humble Servants. 

Elizur Talcott, Isaac Moseley, ■> 

William Welles, Josiah Hale, |- Committee."* 

Eben'r Plummer, ) 

The truth and justice of the views herein expressed, were 
justified and sustained by the course pursued by the citizens 
on hearing of the affair at Lexington. Intelligence of that 

* The original of this Letter is still preserved by Deac. George Plummer, the 
grand-son of one of the Committee, to whom we are indebted for a copy. 



96 

event reaching Glastenbury during divine service, the facts 
were announced from the pulpit. The people returned home, 
spent the evening in replenishing their cartridge boxes, and 
early in the morning started for Boston. 

THE REVOLUTION. 

The spirit, therefore, which dictated these papers, was not 
an idle, but an active spirit, manifesting itself throughout the 
whole period of the Revolution, apparently with the utmost 
unanimity among the inhabitants. On the fifth of Septem- 
ber of the same year, (1774,) delegates were appointed to 
attend a county meeting to be held at Hartford, on the 15th 
of the same month, to agree upon measures, which should 
prevent the consumption of British manufactures. At the 
same meeting it was voted, that all trade with the West In- 
dies should cease immediately, and a committee was ap- 
pointed to examine the stores of all the merchants in town, 
and if necessary, the merchants themselves, under oath, to 
see that these resolutions were not infringed upon. The 
Selectmen were also ordered to purchase two half barrels of 
powder, and to pay for the same out of the town treasury. 
On the 22d of January, 1776, the Selectmen were further 
ordered to purchase three hundred weight of powder for the 
use of the town. In order that every citizen should be in 
readiness to enter upon the service of his country at the short- 
est possible notice, the following votes were passed at a town 
meeting, held in September of the same year, (1776 :) 

" Voted^ That Messrs. Joseph Moseley, Thomas Kimberly, Eleazer Wright, 
Elijah Hollister, Benjamin Hodge, Joseph Goodale, Nehemiah Strickland, 
Thomas Hunt and Nathan Dickenson, be chosen a committee to inspect each 
able bodied man in this Town and see whether each man is equiped with a 
good gun ; and if any man has a gun not fixed, the committee to warn such 
person to get such gun well fixed within one week after such warning; and 
if any person is poor and not able to fix their gun, then, such person imme- 
diately to deliver such gun to the Selectmen of this Town, and the Select- 
men of this Town are to appoint two judicious freeholders to apprize such 
gun, and then said Selectmen to fix such gun at the cost of this Town, and if 
the owner of such gun shall pay the Selectmen for fixing said gun within 
six months, then the person to have his gun, otherwise, the Selectmen to pay 



97 

said person what said gun shall be apprized at, and keep said gun for the 
benefit of this town. 

" Voted, That the Selectmen purchase bullet moulds of Serjeant Ander- 
son for the benefit of this town. 

" Voted, That the Selectmen purchase a ladle to run bullets, and to be 
kept with the moulds." 

The town having provided itself with the means of de- 
fence, next turned its attention to the providing for those 
who were fighting in defence of their common rights and 
liberties. On the 20th of January, 1777, the town directed 
the Selectmen to purchase " Tents, pots, bowls, canteens, lead, 
&c., and other things that the State of Connecticut shall 
order," and "to borrow <£30 for that purpose, and to make a 
rate sufficient to pay the same." In the following March, a 
committee was appointed, " To provide provision for the 
families of those soldiers that shall enlist in the Continental 
service, the charge to be paid by this Town all beside the 
prime cost." 

Owing, partly, to the frightful mortality which happened 
among the troops that went from Glastenbury into the French 
war, and partly, to the very high price of the necessaries of 
life at this time, the enlistments into the Continental army 
from this Town, did not go on as rapidly (after the first burst 
of enthusiasm had subsided) as was desired. In order to 
encourage persons to enter the army, a Town meeting was 
called in April, 1777, where it was — 

" Voted, That each person, that shall enlist into the Continental army in 
this Town shall receive out of the treasury of this Town, during their ser- 
vice for three years, the necessaries of life, (they paying in their wages to 
said Treasurer) as followeth, (viz.) wheat at 4.<?. per bushel, rye at 3s. Indian 
corn at 2,s. and pork at 3d. a lb. by the hundred ; and all other necessaries 
of life in the same proportion." 

In September of the same year a committee was appoint- 
ed, " To provide shirts, frocks, shoes and 'overhalls' for the 
soldiers in the Continental army belonging to this Town at 
the charge of the Town," and the committee were directed 
to borrow money whenever necessary for this purpose. The 
Selectmen were also directed to send two loads [of provision] 
7 



98 

to Boston, and to purchase two loads of salt to be delivered 
to the committee here, to be sold for the benefit of the 
soldiers in the army from this Town. 

While Glastenbury was doing all in its power to promote 
the cause of American freedom, she was obliged to do her 
share in restraining the liberties of her country's enemies, 
though she seems to have had but few tories among her own 
sons. At a meeting of the General Assembly in October, 
1776, complaint was preferred against two prominent individ- 
uals, as being inimical to the rights and liberties of the 
State, and asking for their removal to some place of safety. 
A trial was had, the offenders found guilty, and sentenced, 
" To be removed to the society of Eastbury, in the town of 
Glastenbury ; there to remain in said society under the civil 
authority and Selectmen of the town, at their own cost, un- 
til further orders ; with directions that they were not to re- 
ceive or send any letters until they should have been perused 
by the civil authority." The gentlemen referred to were 
Ralph Isaacs, Esq., (who was removed to Durham in De- 
cember, on account of ill health,) and Abiathar Camp, who 
was removed to Wallingford in December, 1777. Mr. Camp 
took the oath of fidelity to the State while remaining in 
Glastenbury.* 

during the year 1778, committees were continued to pro- 
vide for the families of the soldiers, and also clothing and 
other necessaries for the soldiers themselves ; duties which 
seem to have been discharged without difficulty. 

Another event, however, happened within this and the pre- 
ceding year, which must have been full of interest to the 
quiet inhabitants of this rural Town ; we mean the tempo- 
rary removal of a portion of Yale College to Glastenbury. 
In April, 1777, the price of provisions was so high, and the 
difficulty of obtaining board so gi-eat in New Haven, that it 
was deemed necessary to provide other places for the stu- 
dents. The Freshman class was sent to Farmington ; the 
Sophomore and Junior classes under the direction of the 

*Hin. War. Rev. 241, 399, 503. 



99 

Professor of Mathematics— Hon. Nehemiah Strong, came to 
Glastenbury. They boarded among the citizens, making 
their headquarters at the house of William Welles, son of 
Jonathan Welles, a graduate of Yale, and who was also a 
Tutor in the same. The house is still standing and is in the 
possession of Mr. Joseph Stevens. Of the members of Col- 
lege at this time, one was Jonathan Brace, afterwards for 
many years a resident of the Town.* 

At the October session of the General Assembly, 1777, pro- 
vision was made that all the freemen of the State should 
take the oath of fidelity to the State and country, and that 
no person, not having taken this oath, should be permitted 
to vote in any town, society or other public meeting ; to hold 
any office, practice any profession, nor make any bargain for 
the purchase or sale of any property real or personal.f The 
following list contains — 

(1) Those who took the oath of fidelity and the year of 
taking the same. 

(2) The Ecclesiastical Society to which they belonged, so 
far as can be ascertained. Those having " G" added belong- 
ed to the 1st Society, those with "E" added, belonged to the 
second. 

(3) The names of persons known to have been in the 
Revolutionary war. 

Those printed in Italic denote that they were in the Mili- 
tia. Those in small caps were in the regular line, for three 
years, or for the war. Those in CAPITALS, died in the 
service. 



Alger, Ashbel, 


G. 


1777. 


Baley, Aaron. 






Andrews, Benjamin, 




1779. 


Bell, Elizur, 


G. 


1779. 


Andrews, Charles, 


E. 


1779. 


Benton, Edward, 


G. 


1777. 


Andrews, Charles, Jr., 


E. 


1779. 


- Benton, Josiah, 


G. 


1779. 


Andrews, David. 






Benton, Josiah, Jr., 


G. 


17S2. 


Andrews, John. 






Benton, Ebenezer, 


G. 


1779. 


Andreivs, Joseph. 






Beuel, Joseph, 




1779. 


ANDREWS, SOLOMON. 






Bidwell, Hezekiah, 


E. 


1777. 


Andrews, Daniel, 


G. 


1777. 


BIDWELL, JOSEPH. 







* Wol. H. Y C. 31,32. 
t Hin. War Rev. 2SS, 289. 



100 



Bidwell, Joseph, (the 2d,) 
Bidwell, Jonathan, 
Bidwell, Thomas. 
Bidwell, Samuel, 
Bigelow, David, 
Blish, David, 
Brace, Jonathan, 
Brewer, Israel, 
Brooks, David. 
BROOKS, ELIZUR. 
BROOKS, ELIJAH. 
Brooks, Joel, 
Brooks, John, 
Brooks, Josiah, 
Brooks, Samuel, 
Brooks, Thomas, Jr., 

Camp, Abiathar, of N. H. 
Canada, David. 
Case, John. 

Chamberlain, Benjamin, 
Chamberlain, Daniel, 
Chamberlain, Richard, 
Chamberlain, William, 
Chapman, Jonah, 
Churchill, Jesse. 
Churchill, Joseph, 
Cole, David. 

Coleman, Asaph, M. D., 
Colcbert, Robert. 
CoNLEY, John. 
Covel, Elijah, 
Covel, John, 
Covel, Phillip, 
Covel, Samuel, 
Crary, Richard. 
Cross, John, 
CUNNINGHAM, DENNIS 

Daniel, David, 
Dealing, Samuel. 
Dickinson, David, 
Dickinson, David, Jr., 
Dickinson, Nathan, 
Dickinson, Thomas, 
DOANE, SETH. 



E. 1777. 



G. 1777. 



1779. 
1779. 
1779. 
1779. 



G. 1779. 



E. 1779. 

E. 1779. 
E. 1779. 

1779. 

1779. 



Dutton, Wm., (Brit. prison'r,)E. 1779. 
Eddy, John. 



E. 1777. 

E. 177S. 



E. 1779. 
G. 17S0. 
G. 1779. 
G. 1777. 
E, 1777. 
E. 1777. 



E. 1777. 



E. 1777. 
E. 1777. 



G. 1779. 

G. 1779. 
Gains, John. 
GAINS, LEVI. 

Gains, Nathaniel, G. 1779. 

Gibson, Samuel, E. 1777. 

GofF, Aaron, E. 1779. 

Goodale, Asa, E. 1779. 

Goodale, Ebenezer, 1779. 

Goodale, Elisha, 1779. 

Goodale, Isaac, E. 1779. 

Goodale, Joseph, E. 1777. 

Goodale, Joseph, Jr., E. 1777. 

Goodrich, David, 1777. 

Goodrich, David, 2d, G. 1780. 

Goodrich, Elisha, G. 1779. 

Goodrich, Elizur, G. 1782. 

Goodrich, George, 1779. 

Goodrich, Isaac, G. 1779. 

Goodrich, Israel. 

Goodrich, Jehiel, G. 1779. 

Goodrich, John, G. 1777. 

Goodrich, Rosivell. 

Goodrich, Lieut. Stephen, G. 1779. 

Goodrich, Wait. 

Grover, Lieut. Phinehas, 1779. 





1779. 


Finley, John, 


G. 


1779. 


Follen, John, 
Foster, Peter. 


G. 


1779. 


Fox, Abraham. 


E. 


1777. 


FOX, ASA. ' 


E. 


1777. 


Fox, Amos, 


G. 


1778. 


Fox, David, 


E. 


1777. 


Fox, Ebenezer, 
Fox, Rosea, 
Fox, Isaac, 
Fpx, Israel, 




1779. 


FOX, JOHN. 




1777. 


Fox, Jonah, 




1780. 


Fox, Jeduthan. 


E. 


1779. 


Fox, Lemuel. 


E. 


1779. 


Fox, Richard, 
Fox, Russell. 




1779. 


Fox, Simeon. 
Fox, Stephen, 
Fox, William, 


E 


. 1779. 


Freeman, Samson. 


E 


, 1777. 


Freeman, Sifax. 




1779. 


Fuller, Barnabas, 




1779. 






1777. 


Gains, Jonathan, 



101 



Hale, Benjamin, 


G. 


1777. 


Hollister, Thomas, Jr., 


E. 


177S. 


Hale, Benjamin, Jr., 


G. 


17S0. 


Hollister, Theodore, 




1779. 


Hale, Daniel, 




1777. 


Holmes, Appleton, 


E. 


1779. 


Hale, David, 


G. 


1777. 


Holmes, William, 


E. 


1779. 


Hale, Elisha, 


G. 


1779. 


Hotchkins, John. 




1780. 


Hale, Elizur, M. D., 


G. 


1779. 


House, Benoni, 




1777. 


Hale, Gideon, 


G. 


1777. 


House, Benjamin, 




1777. 


HALE, CAPT. JONATHAN. 




House, Elazarus, 


E. 


1780. 


HALE, JONATHAN, 2d. 






House, Jonathan, 


G. 


1777. 


Hale, Josiah, 


G. 


1777. 


House, Samuel. 






Hale, Newport. 






House, William, 


E. 


1777. 


Hale, Samuel, 


G. 


1777. 


Howe, Elisha, 


E. 


1779. 


Hale, William. 






Howe, John, 




1777. 


Hale, Theodore, 


G. 


1777. 


Howe, John, Jr., 




1779. 


Hale, Timothy, 


G. 


1777. 


Hoivard, Benjamin. 






Hale, Timothy, Jr., 




1777. 


Hubbard, Aaron, 


E. 


1777. 


HAYARD, BENJAMIN. 






Hubbard, David. 






Hildreth, William, 


E. 


1779. 


Hubbard, Eleazer, 


E. 


1779. 


HILL, BENJAMIN. 






HUBBARD, ELIJAH, 


G. 


1779. 


Hill, Daniel. 






Hubbard, Capt. Elizur, 


E. 


1779. 


Hill, Elijah, 


E. 


17S0. 


Hubbard, Ephraim, 


E. 


1777. 


Hill, Elisha, 


E. 


1779. 


Hubbard, Hezekiah, 


E. 


1777. 


Hill, Samuel, Jr., 


E. 


1779. 


Hubbard, Jonathan, 




1777. 


Hodge, Benjamin, 


E. 


1777. 


Hubbard, Josiah. 






Hodge, Benjamin, Jr., 


E. 


1779. 


Hunt, Thomas, 


E. 


1777. 


Hodge, Elijah, 




1777. 


Hunter, Benjamin, 


G. 


1779. 


Hodge, John, 


G. 


1777. 


Huxford, Henry, 




1779- 


Hodge, John, Jr., 


G. 


1777. 


Huxford, John. 






Holden, John. 






Huxford, Peter, 




1777. 


Hollister, Abraham, Jr., 




1777. 








Hollister, Aaron, 




V79. 


Jones, Lemuel, 




1779. 


Hollister, Amos, 


G. 


1777. 


Jopp, John, 




1777. 


Hollister, David. 












Hollister, Elijah, 


G. 


1777. 


Kilborn, Joseph, 


G, 


, 1777. 


Hollister, Elisha, 


E. 


1777. 


Kimherley, Thomas. 






Hollister, Gideon, 


E. 


1779. 








Hollister, Gideon, Jr., 


E. 


1777. 


LAMB, JOSEPH, 






Hollister, George, 


E. 


1779. 


Lindsley, Felix, 




1779. 


Hollister, Serj't Israel. 






I^oomis, Josiah. 






Hollister, Jonathan, 


G. 


1777. 


LOVELAND, ASA. 






Hollister, Josiah. 






Loveland, David, 


G 


. 1777. 


Hollister, Joseph, 


G. 


1779. 


Loveland, David, Jr., 




1780. 


Hollister, John. 






Loveland, Elisha. 






Hollister, Nathaniel, 


E. 


. 1777. 


Loveland, Elizur, 




1779. 


Hollister, Nehemiah, 


E. 


. 1779. 


LOVELAND, GAD. 






Hollister, Plenny, 




1779. 


LOVELAND, JONATHAN. 




Hollister, Roswell. 






LOVELAND, JOEL. 






Hollister, Stephen, 


G 


. 1777. 


Loveland, Lazarus, 




17S0. 


Hollister, Ens. Tliomas, 


E 


. 1778. 


Loveland, Lot, Jr. 







102 



LovELAND, Levi, 


E. 


1779. 


Risley, Benjamin, 




1777. 


LovELAND, Thomas. 






Risley, Charles, 




1779. 


Loveland, Pelatiah, 


E. 


1779. 


Risley, Job, 




1777. 


Loveland, Solomon, 




3 777. 


Risley, Reuben, 


E. 


1777. 


Loveland, Thomas, Jr., 




1779. 


Risley, Thomas, 


E. 


1779. 


Matson, Amos, 


G. 


1777. 


Scott, Adonijah, 




1779. 


Matson, Amos, Jr., 


G. 


1779. 


Scott, Ebenezer, 




1777. 


Matson, Thomas, 


G. 


1779. 


Scott, Moses. 






McDoivel, Ens. 






Scott, Jose]jh. 






McLean, James. 






Sellew, John, 


G. 


1779. 


Miller, Abijah, 


G. 


1777. 


Scllew, Phillip, 


G. 


1777. 


MILLER, JOHN, Jr., 




1779. 


SHIPMAN, REUBEN. 






Miller, Matthew, 


G. 


1779. 


Shipman, Stephen, 




1777. 


Miller, William, 




1777. 


Shipman, Stephen, Jr., 




1777. 


Miles, Daniel. 






SiMBO, Prince. 






Moseley, L«aac, M. D., 


G. 


1779. 


Simons, Joseph, 


E. 


1779. 


Moseley, John, 




1777. 


Skinner, Abraham, Jr., 




1779. 


Moseley, Joseph, 




1777. 


Skinner, Benjamin, 


E. 


1779. 


Moseley, "William, 




1777. 


Skinner, Ezekiel, 


E. 


1779. 


Moseley, Syphax. 






Skinner, Richard, 


E. 


1779. 


Morley, Dimick, 




1779. 


SMITH, ASAPH. 






MORLEY, JOHN. 






Smith, Benjamin, 




1777. 


Morley, Timothy, 


E. 


1777. 


Smith, Benoni, 


G. 


1777. 


Morley, Thomas. 






Smith, David, 
Smith, Elijah, 




1779. 
1777. 


Nedan, Anthony. 






Smith, Elisha. 






Nickerson, Francis. 






Smith, Isaac, 


E. 


1777. 


Nicholson, Ambrose, 


G. 


1777. 


Smith, Jeduthan, 




1779. 


Nye, David. 






Smith, Richard, 




17S0. 


Nye, Melatiah, 


E. 


1777. 


Smith, Samuel, 


G. 


1777. 


Noulding, Samuel, 


E. 


17S0. 


SMITH, WILLIAM. 
Smithas, William. 






Olcott, Isaac. 






Sparks, Reuben, 


E. 


1777. 








Stevens, Benjamin, 


G. 


1777. 


Pease, Jonathan, 




1779. 


Stevens, Elijah, 




1777. 


Pease, Lemuel, 


E. 


1779. 


Stevens, Epaphras. 






Pease, Ser't Peter. 






Stevens, John, 




1779. 


Pease, Samuel, 


E. 


1777. 


STEVENS, JONATHAN. 






Perce, Phillip, 


G. 


1778. 


Stevens, Timothy, 




1779. 


Plummer, Ebenezer, 


G. 


1777. 


Stevens, Thomas, 


G. 


1779. 


Potter, Edward, 


E. 


1779. 


Stevens, William, 


G. 


1779. 


PRATT, SAMUEL. 






Stocking, George, 






Price, Samuel, 


G. 


1777. 


Stocking, George, Jr. 






Pulsifer, Sylvester, 


G. 


1779. 


Stratton, John, 




1779. 








Stratton, Samuel, 


G. 


1779. 


Qiiam, John, (Indian.) 






Strickland, Nehemiah, 


E. 


1779. 








STRICKLAND, JONATHAN. 




Rice, Samuel, 


G. 


1777. 


Strickland, Simeon, 


G. 


1779. 








Strickland, Stephen, 


E. 


1779. 



103 



Strong, Amos, 




1779. 


IVeavcr, Jonathan. 
Webster, John, 




1779. 


Talcott, Abraham, 




17S0. 


Webster, Jonathan, 




1777. 


Talcott, Asa, 




1777. 


Webster, Joshua. 






Talcott, Elisha, 




1777. 


Welden, Jabez, 


E. 


1777. 


Talcott, Elizur, 


G. 


1777. 


Welden, Peleg, 




1777. 


Talcott, Elizur, Jr., 


G. 


1777. 


. Welles, George, 


G. 


1777. 


Talcott, George, 


G. 


1777. 


Welles, Isaac, 


G. 


1783. 


Talcott, Joseph, 


G. 


1777. 


Welles, John, 


G. 


1777. 


Talcott, Nathaniel, 


G. 


1777. 


Welles, Jonathan, Esq., 


G. 


1777. 


Talcott, Nath., Jr., 




1780. 


Welles, Capt. Samthel, 


G. 


1778. 


Talcott, Oliver, 




17S3. 


Welles, Samuel, Jr., 


G. 


1777. 


TALMADGE, WILLIAM. 






Welles, Thaddms, 


G. 


1777. 


Taylor, John, 


G. 


1777. 


Welles, Thaddeus, Jr., 


G. 


1781. 


Taylor, Jonathan, 




1777. 


Welles, William, 


G. 


1777. 


Taylor, Azariah. 






Welles, William, 2d, 




1773. 


TAYLOR, ASAHEL. 






Wetherel, Benjamin, 




1777. 


Taylor, David. 






Wheeler, Lazarus, 




1780. 


tennent, Caleb, 


G. 


1779. 


Wickham, Hezekiah, 


E. 


1779. 


/TREAT, ISAAC. 






Wickham, John, 


E. 


1779. 


^TREAT, JOHN. 






Wilson, Peleg, 




1777. 


Treat, Jonathan. 






Woodbridge, Col. Howel, 


G. 


1777. 


Treat, Peter, 




1777. 


Woodbridge, Theodore, 


G. 


1783. 


Temple, Joseph. 






Woodruff, Martin, 


E. 


1779. 


Tryon, Benjamin, 


G. 


1777. 


Wright, Daniel. 






TRYON, BENJAMIN, Jr. 






Wright, Eleazer, 


G. 


1777. 


Tryon, Elizur, 


G. 


1779. 


Wright, Hezekiah, 


G. 


1779. 


Tryon, Ezra, 




1779. 


Wright, James, 


E. 


1779. 


Tryon, Isaac. 






Wright, Jeremiah, 


E. 


1779. 


Tryon, Joseph, 


E. 


1779. 


Wright, Samuel, 


G. 


1777. 


Tryon, Thomas, 






Wyres, Elias. 






Tubbs, Ezekiel, 


E. 


1779. 


Wyar, James, 




1 779. 


Tubbs, Lemuel, 


E. 


1779. 


Wyar, John, 


E. 


1779. 








Wyar, Nehemiah, 


E. 


1779. 


Ward, Daniel, 


G. 


1777. 


Wyllis, Ephraim, 




1779. 


Warren, John. 






Wyllis, John, 




1779. 



Citizens of Glastenbury who died lv the Revolution- 
ary War. 

From Easthury Church Records. 
1776, Aug. 7, Heard of the death of Joel Loveland, who died at Quebec 
a prisoner. 
" Oct. 29, Heard of the death of Solomon Andrews, who died in the 

army near Ticonderoga. 
" Nov. 20, John Fox died in the northern army. 
1 777, Jan. 14, Heard of the death of Elizur Brooks, a captive at New 
York 



104 

1777, Jan. 18, Heard of the death of Jonathan Strickland, a captive in 

New York. 
1779, June 18, Pleard of the death of William Smith, who was in the army. 
1781, Nov. 27, Heard of the death of Isaac Treat, who died in the public 

service in the State of .Pennsylvania. 

From Glastenhury Church Records. 

1775, Oct. 24, Asa Loveland, in the army at Roxbury. 

1776, Mar. 7, Capt. Jonathan Hale, died in the army at Jamaica plains, 

Roxbury, Massachusetts Bay. 
" " 23, Dennis Cunningham, died in the army at Jamaica plains, in 

Roxbury, Mass. 
" Ang. 30, Jonathan Loveland, } both died in the army at New York 
" " 31, John Morley, j|^ with sickness. 

" Sep. 6, Gad Loveland, died in the army at New York, with the 

wound he received in the fight on Long Island. 
" Oct. 1, Jonathan Hale, died a few days after he returned sick from 

the army. 
" Nov. 9, Benjamin Hayard, died in the army at or near New York, 

about the 21st of Oct. last. 
" Dec. 3, Reuben Shipman, 7 both died in captivity, at New York, 
" " " William Tammage, j in Nov. last. 
" " 24, Samuel Pratt, died in the army. 
" " " Jonathan Stevens, died, in captivity, at New York. 

1777, Jan. 12, Benjamin Hills, died at Durham, on his return from captivi- 

ty, in New York. 
" . " Asahel Taylor, died at New Haven, on his return from 

captivity, in New York. 
" " Joseph Bidwell, son of Ephraim Bidwell, died at Mlford, 

on his return from captivity, at New York. 
" Apr. 22, Asaph Smith, belonging to the army, died at Hartford, with 

the small pox, received by inoculation. 
" " Seth Doane, died at his father's in Middle Haddam, on his 

return from captivity in New York. 

1778, Mar. 16, John Miller, Jr., slain in battle at Germantown. 
" " Benjamin Tryon, Jr., died in the army. 

" May 13, John Treat, died in captivity, at New York. 
" June 25, Levi Gaines, died in the army at West Point. 
" Aug. 24, Elijah Brooks, son of John Brooks, died in the army at 
West Point. 

1779, Feb. 17, Joseph Lamb, died in the army at Warren, in the State of 

Rhode Island. 

1781, Mar. 21, Lieut. Alexander McDowell, executed at Hartford, for de- 
serting the army. 

1783, Apr. 15, Elijah Hubbard, son of Eleazer Hubbard, died at Jamaica 
in captivity. 



105 

The desponding condition of the American army in the 
year 1779, required a greater degree of activity on the part 
of those whose duty it was to look after the wants and inter- 
ests of individuals engaged in the service of the country. In 
January, the town voted <£39 175. 6d., to Mr. Elisha Hollis- 
ter for pork furnished the Militia in the preceding May, and 
at the same meeting, voted to buy a considerable quantity of 
tow cloth for tents. It was also voted, that all the money in 
the town treasury should be delivered into the hands of the 
committee who provided for the soldiers. And in the June 
following, a rate of Is. 6d. on the pound was levied, " to pur- 
chase clothing for the continental soldiers," and to supply the 
necessities of their families. At the annual meeting in De- 
cember, all the money remaining in the treasury, derived from 
any source whatever, together with all the debts due to the 
town, were placed at the disposal of the committee who pro- 
vided for the soldiers' families. 

The year 1780 required still greater efforts, to meet which, 
the town, in April, petitioned the General Assemby for au- 
thority " to make a rate upon the ratable estate in the town, to 
raise money as an extraordinary encouragement above those 
wages allowed by the State, in order to furnish all supplies 
of men that shall be called to actual service." In June, a spe- 
cial town meeting was called, at which it was " Voted, That 
each man who serves in the State or Continental service? 
have 30.'?. per month paid by this Town, over and above what 
is allowed them by this State." A committee was also ap- 
pointed to procure the requisite enlistments to fill up the 
quota of the town, and to hire men to enter the service, if 
the enlistments fell short of the requisite number. The Se- 
lectmen were also directed to make a rate sufficient to cover 
all the expenses of the same. At a town meeting held a few 
weeks later, this vote was so far modified that soldiers were 
to receive 505. a month from the town while in actual service, 
to be paid in wheat at 45. 6d. a bushel, and other produce at 
equivalent prices, the town meanwhile, receiving the wages of 
the soldiers paid by the State. It may be well to remark, in 
this place, that the legal price of grains as fixed by the Leg- 



106 

islature, then was, wheat 6s. a bushel, rye, 3.s. 6d. and Indian 
corn 35. It was also voted, that the rate for this purpose, 
should be 6d. on the pound. At a special town meeting 
held in November, an additional rate of Is. on the pound was 
laid, payable in money, or such provisions as were required 
for supplies in the Continental army, at the option of the in- 
habitants. At the same meeting, William Welles, Esq., was 
authorized to borrow as much money as he should deem ne- 
cessary to purchase provisions for the army. The committee 
appointed to hire recruits, were directed to give their person- 
al obligations to the men hired, whenever there were no funds 
in the treasury, the town engaging to indemnify them against 
all loss. In December of the same year, a special committee 
was appointed to raise men, " To fill up the battalions to be 
raised for the defence of our seaboard," and " that the Se- 
lectmen make a rate so large as they think necessary." 

The same energetic measures which had been taken in 
1780, were found necessary to be continued in 1781. On the 
9th of January, a committee was appointed to divide the 
whole population into a given number of classes, (by a sub- 
sequent vote, made eleven,) and whenever a call was made 
for soldiers, these classes were to furnish each, their man, 
either by enlistment, or hiring, and to furnish them with 
everything requisite but a gun. In case of the failure of the 
class to furnish the man, the town did it at their expense. A 
tax was also laid of " one penny and a half in hard money on 
the pound, or three pence State's money." The town also 
engaged to make up any deficiencies or defalcations on the 
part of the State. In July, " a four penny tax in beef was 
laid, in order to supply soldiers with provisions. Some of 
the " classes" having failed of furnishing a man for the ser- 
vice when called upon, the town, at its annual meeting in 
December, — 

" Voted, Messrs. Timothy Hale and Theodore Hale be a committee to 
bring the deficient classes to condign punishment as the law directs, for not 
hiring a man for the State service." 

During the year 1782, the committees appointed to raise 



107 

soldiers and provide for their families were continued, but 
their labors seem to have been much less than in the two 
years previous. Wheat was received at the town treasury in 
payment of certain taxes " at 95. a bushel, State money." In 
1783, a committee was appointed " to look up all the powder 
and ball, guns and cartouch boxes, fines and forfeitures, paid 
to the commanding officers, and all other things that belong- 
ed to this town and have been receipted out since the present 
war." This seems to have been the winding up of the 
town's efforts ; for peace being declared about the same time, 
further action was rendered unnecessary. 

An item of interest, in this connection, deserving of men- 
tion, to the lasting honor of Eastbury, as evincing her warm 
sympathy in the cause of freedom, is contained in the follow- 
ing votes passed at a special society meeting, held on the 30th 
of July, 1779 : 

" Voted, That we will raise a rate for tliose men that are to be enlisted, or 
attached to go into the army at this time." 

" Voted, That we will raise a rate of FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS for 
the aforesaid purpose, the Society's committee to make said rate, and the col- 
lectors appointed for that purpose to collect it forthwith." 

Another act done by the society of Eastbury, breathing the 
same spirit of freedom toward others as was claimed for 
themselves, is found in the following vote, passed October, 
1794: 

" Voted, To give the Episcopalians their minister's rate." 

This being done when the law of the State would not re- 
lease them, and the custom of the country did not demand 
it, and that soon after the appearance of Churchmen in their 
borders, was indicative of enlarged and liberal views of free- 
dom. 

A RETROSPECT. 

In reviewing the course pursued by the people of Glas- 
tenbury during the war of the Revolution, we cannot but 
admire the unanimity of feeling, and active cooperation in 



108 

the country's cause, manifested by the great body of the in- 
habitants. Though enlistments seem to have gone on some- 
what tardily here, as elsewhere, after the first voice of alarm 
had died away, it evidently arose frofn no want of sympathy 
with the cause of liberty. The dark pall of mourning which 
rested upon so many families at the close of the French war, 
could not have been forgotten, while the sudden increase of 
price, for all the necessaries of life, seemed to require the 
presence and cooperation of every male member of every 
family. We see, therefore, in the readiness with which the 
people taxed themselves, for the support of the soldiers in the 
army, amounting sometimes to more than two shillings and 
sixpence per pound a year, a deep-seated and all-pervading 
love of liberty ; a readiness to sacrifice everything, if need be, 
in the cause of freedom. And herein they manifested a spirit 
which we shall do well to cherish and cultivate, as the surest 
safeguard against every foreign invasion. 

SANITARY MEASURES. 

The small pox, which had prevailed in the country more 
or less from its first settlement, became so widely spread, 
during the Revolution, that preventive means became indis- 
pensable to the welfare of the country. Among these means, 
inoculation deservedly holds a high place. This was first 
permitted in Glastenbury, by vote of the town, March, 1782, 
to be practiced under the direction of the civil authority and 
Selectmen. A motion was made at the annual meeting in 
December, to withdraw this permission, but without effect. 
It was provided, however, that no persons should inoculate, 
but Doctor Elizur Hale and Doctor Asaph Coleman, and that 
they should be put under bonds before doing it. At a special 
town meeting held in March, 1783, thispermission was with- 
drawn, and at another meeting held in the April following, 
called, as would seem upon this very subject, the record in- 
forms us, that " after many debates and altercations, put to 
vote, whether this meeting allow inoculation for the small 
pox in this town in future. Negatived." At the annual 
meeting in December, the same year, it was voted to permit 



109 

inoculation from the first of the next April until the tenth of 
June following. Things remained in this situation until De- 
cember, 1790, when inoculation was permitted " under the 
direction of the Civil Authority and the Selectment." 

BIRTH OF A NATION. 

The close of the Revolution brought with it a marked 
change in the policy of the country, which extended its in- 
fluence from the highest to the lowest and most inconsider- 
able of legislative bodies. This effect manifested itself in 
greater liberality of feeling among citizens of every name and 
denomination, in a greater independence and manliness of 
political action, and in the annihilation, almost, of that mi- 
nute, special legislation, which previously abounded in the 
doings of every legislative body, from the town meeting to 
the Colonial General Assembly. From being thirteen inde- 
pendent Colonies, of divers interests and pursuits, often com- 
ing in conflict with each other, they were now, one nation^ 
bound together by a common interest and common liberty, 
which had been obtained by a compromise of conflicting 
interests, and at the expense of toil, and treasure, and blood. 
The idea of citizenship in this one nation, naturally tended 
to produce a loftiness of purpose, and expansiveness of 
thought, feeling and action, which, under God, has made 
this nation what it now is. Hence, whatever tends to root 
out this feeling of American citizenship, or even to obliterate 
it from the mind, as directly tends to the overthrow of the 
nation. 

LEGISLATIVE CHANGES. 

The circumstances already mentioned will enable us to 
understand a fact, for which we might not otherwise be able 
to account, the disappearance from the Records, of many points 
of incidental and local history. The town Records, therefore, 
cease to furnish that outline of history, subsequent to the 
Revolution, which may be easily gathered from them before 
that time. Another cause cooperating to produce this pau- 
city of historical matter in the records, is to be found, in that 



110 

state of quietude, which succeeded to the all-absorbing period 
of the Revolution. Hence, we find those records which 
throw light upon the personal history of individuals, much 
more deficient at this period than in the earlier history of the 
town. The guiding clue which we have hitherto obtained 
from the Legislative enactments of the town, leaves us in a 
great measure, at this point, compelling us to gather up our 
materials from other sources, arranging, classi^fying and di- 
gesting them, as best we may. 

Having pursued the civil and ecclesiastical history of Glas- 
tenbury, until the independence of the nation, we shall revert 
to some other points, essential to the full understanding of 
the history. 

SCHOOLS. 

There is every reason to believe that the leading settlers 
of Glastenbury, designed and intended to make the town a 
place, if not a seat of learning, and they did what they could 
to lay the foundation thereof. The School-master was an 
officer of the town, to whom great respect and deference were 
to be paid. In ]701, Robert Poog was employed to teach 
for three months, and longer if his labors gave satisfaction. 
For the first quarter he was to have £S and the keeping of 
himself and horse, and £2 a quarter afterward. To pay the 
expense, the town had an appropriation made by a law of 
the colony, of fort// shilling's upon every thousand pounds in 
the Grand List, known in the records as " Country Money." 
The remainder was to be paid, half by tax upon the proper- 
ty, and half by assessment upon the children between the 
ages of six and twelve years, ivhether they attended school or 
not. The labors of Mr. Poog do not seem to have been sat- 
isfactory ; for the next year the " Town's Men," that is, the 
Selectmen, were directed to procure a sufficient teacher, the 
same mode of raising funds being continued. A few years 
later, it was specified that the teachers should be " v)ell qual- 
ified to teach the children," and that " the Masters should be 
paid by the society," the tax upon the scholars being remit- 
ted. Particular attention was also paid to the subject of 



Ill 

school-houses, that they should be sufficient in number, and 
conveniently located. 

As soon as the " East Farms" were sufficiently settled to be 
able to commence a school, they were authorized to hire a 
woman, their proportion of money not then being sufficient 
to procure a " well qualified Master." One-half of the school 
money was always raised by tax on property, and many 
years the whole of it was so raised. "When, however, any 
tax was laid on the children, it was always with this pro- 
viso : " Boys from six to twelve years to pay whether they go 
to school or not." 

CLERKS OF SCHOOLS— ELEAZER KIMBERLY. 

Of the learning of the early settlers of this town, we have 
not the means of speaking with much certainty. It seems, 
however, to have been superior to what it has been since, 
though perhaps, not so generally diffused. The early town 
(including the school) records kept by Eleazer Kimberly, from 
1692 to 1708, are better specimens of orthography and pen- 
manship than can often be found at that early day ; while the 
recods kept by his son 

Thomas Kimberly, from 1713 to 1730, exceed any other 
records of that period that we have ever seen, both for cor- 
rect spelling and beautiful chirography. The records be- 
tween these two men, from 1708, to 1713, by 

Samuel Smith, partake largely of the peculiarities of the 
age. 

Thomas Welles. The records kept by Thomas Welles, 
from 1730 to 1764, begin with something of the old con- 
tracted court hand, but pass into a more modern style. The 
orthography, however, is good. 

Jonathan Hale. The records of the first society, (includ- 
ing the Glastenbury school records until 1796,) kept by Jon- 
athan Hale from 1731 to 1744, are in a clear round hand, 
with few peculiarities, and these mainly by the substitution 
of 00 for ou and u ; as, lioose, yoose, poond, etc., for house, use, 
pound, and the like, which he may have inherited from his 
parents, or have acquired from the fashionable pronunciation 
of educated men a hundred years ago. 



112 

Other Clerks. His successor as clerk of the society and 
schools from 1744 to 1761, was Thomas Welles, already 
spoken of as town clerk. His successors, William Welles, 
from 1764 to 1778, and Isaac Mosely from 1778 to 1774, 
were both excellent writers and good clerks. The next, Wait 
Goodrich, 1784, 178o, and Theodore Woodbridge from 1785 
to 1794, were fair penmen. The proper school record end- 
ing here, we shall not pursue the subject further, only adding 
that both the matter and the manner of these records are 
creditable to all parties concerned, and the earliest of them 
are especially so. The school records of more modern days, 
would often suffer by a comparison with the earlier. 

SECOND SOCIETY— STEPHEN ANDREWS. 

The society and school records of Eastbury, are kept with 
much completeness and accuracy, but exhibit more peculiar- 
ities of orthography and less beauty of penmanship than 
those of Glastenbury. The first clerk, Stephen Andrews, from 
1731 to 1743, made few deviations from the established order 
of spelling. We find him, however, sometimes strengthen- 
ing a word with additional letters, as, Sallerry, Leagually^ 
etc., for salary, legally, and the like. 

Elisha Andrews. His successor, Elisha Andrews, from 
1743 to 1749, had few peculiarities of spelling, and wrote a 
very respectable hand. 

Stephen Strickland, the succeeding clerk from 1749 to 
1763, had more peculiarities than his predecessors, and has 
preserved the ancient usage of many of the colloquial ex- 
pressions which still prevail among the people. He was the 
best representative of the present colloquial usage of the 
town. One of the most obvious of these corruptions is the 
insertion of an r before aU, as, 2><^rst, larst, etc., for past, last, 
and the like. Other corruptions, some of which can not be 
expressed in writing, are still common, and show the need of 
the school-master yet. A peculiar usage, of limited extent) 
still current in a part of the town is, " Ourus and yourus,'' for 
our house and your house. 

Hezekiah Wickham, etc. The records of the next socie- 
ty clerk. Deacon Hezekiah Wickham, from 1763 to 1779, are 



113 

no improvement upon those of his predecessor, though he oc- 
casionally filled the post of school-master in his own society. 
We find also here, a phonographic representation of words 
still in use ; as, in " meeten" " keepen" " settelen,''^ etc., for 
meeting, keeping; settling, etc., with some occasional peculi- 
arities, as, " Pasneg,^'' for parsonage, etc. The successor of 
Mr. W. was Charles Andrews, who held the office from 1779 
to 1794, whose record presents no striking peculiarity. 

So far as any judgment can be formed from the character 
and contents of the records, both of school and society, it 
leads unavoidably to the conclusion that there has been a 
relaxation of eftbrt in the cause of education since the first 
settlers passed off the stage. The high standard which our 
fathers created has been overlooked ; the common interest 
of every citizen in the education of the community has been 
forgotten, and the obligation resting upon all to contribute of 
their means for this purpose, has been denied. As a natu- 
ral, if not a necessary consequence of this state of things, 
public education has been neglected, public schools have been 
undervalued, and the public interest mistaken. Occasional 
efforts have been made to remedy this evil, sometimes, by 
establishing schools of a higher grade, with a higher stand- 
ard of attainment, and sometimes by lowering the standard 
of the lowest ; but as yet without any permanent success. 

Glastenbury has, therefore, in this respect, a mission yet 
unperformed, upon which it is her duty and her interest to enter 
immediately. The light that gleams from her very name, the 
halo of glory that encircles her early English history, and the 
self-denying efforts of our fathers, all conspire to exhort us to 
spare no pains and shrink at no efforts, necessary to enable 
us to realize the vision of our forefathers, making Glasten- 
bury conspicuous as a religious and an educated people. 

8 



114 



SCHOOLS. 



DOINGS OF GLASTENBURY SCHOOL SOCIETY 
RECORDS. 



FROM THE TOWN 





•3 






s 




o 












- 


■^ 


g 














!w 


s 




S 




o 

5 


1 


^ 


1 


i 


a 




- 


s 


O 




■o 




>* 


S 


< 


< 


-«! 


1700, 


~ 








1701, 










1701, 










1702, 










1703, 










1704, 










170G, 


12 


9 


3 




1707, 


9 


6 


3 




1707, 


12 


s 


4 




1708, 


9 


6 


3 




1709, 


12 


8 


4 




1710, 


12 


8 


4 




nil, 










1712, 


12 


8 


4 




1713, 


6 


4 


2 




1714, 


6 


4 


2 




1715, 


10 


6 


2 


2 


1716, 


12 








1717, 


11 


6 


3 


2 


1718, 


11 


6 


3 


2 


1719, 










1719, 


11 


6 


3 


2 


1720, 


11 


5 


3 


3 


1721, 


11 


5 


3 


3 


1722, 










1723, 










1724, 


11 








1725, 


12 


6 


3 


3 


172G 


^ 








to 


c 


sa 


rn 


e. 


1728, 


^ 








17:^9, 


11 


H 


2f 


2} 


1730, 










1731, 











The town '* voted to build a school-house, eighteen feet 

square besides the chimney." 
' A sufficient schoolmaster to be procured, — to be paid the 40s. 
on the £1000, country rate, and the remainder, one-halfby 
rate on the town, and the other halfby those who have child- 
ren of suitable age to attend, whether they go to school or 
n ot." 

Selectmen hired Robert Poog to be Scholmaster, £3 for the 
1st quarter, £2 for the 2d, etc., himself and horse to be kept. 

Vote of last year re-enacted. 

" Schoolmaster to be paid according to agreement made by 
Selectmen." 
Capt. Welles, Lt. S. Hale, Segt. J. Hubbard, School Cora." 

Com. to hire "a man well qualified to teach the children." 
Com. to hire Schoolmaster" At another meeting — 
' Selectmen to be Committee." 

" The last 3 mo. at Nayaug." 
The 1st 2 mo. and last 2 mo. at Nayaug." 
' The 1st 4 mo. at Naiag." 

No mention of school. 

" The 1st 4 mo. at Naioge. Boys between 6 and 12 to pay 
whether they go or not." 

" Two months at Nayaug." 

People at Eastfarms allowed to hire " a woman to keep 
school among them 2 months." 

" Two months at the farms in the woods." 

" In the several places in the same proportion as last year." 

^ All boys between 6 and 11, except those living beyond eel- 
s' tain distance, to pay whether they go to school or not, and 

J 1 load of wood to be carried for a scholar or 3s. to be paid. 

" Boys to pay whether they go or not." 

" Boys to pay whether they go or not." 

" To be in the several places in proportion to their payments. 
All south of Sam. Hale's to be reckoned part of Nayaug, 
and all east of Jos. House, Tho. Morley's, and John Love- 
land's, of East Farms." 

" Wood to be furnished by Com. and paid for by Scholars.'* 

"11 mo. at center — Neighug and East Farms to have theii-share 
of the country money — Corn's appointed in each place." 

"Three Committees ap''." 



' Same Proportion as last year, what is required over 40s. in 
£1000, to be paid out of the Town Treasury." 

When Eastbury was made an Ecclesiastical Society. 



115 



In 1731, each Ecclesiastical Society became a distinct and independent 
School Society, and the records of the school will be found in the records of 
the parish until 1796, when School Societies were separated from the Ecclesi- 
astical. 

GLASTENBURY SCHOOL SOCIETY; FROM THE RECORDS OF THE 
FIRST ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 



1732, 
1733 
1734 
1735, 

1736, 
1737, 



1738. 
1739. 



1740, 



1741. 
1742, 



1743, 



1744, 

1745, 
1746, 

1749, 

1750, 
1751, 
1753, 

175G, 
1757, 

175S, 
1759, 
1760, 



I '6 



A load of wood to be brought for each scholar. 

Society voted £16 3s. for schools this year. 

The " Colony money" being deducted, the remainder to be 

paid, half by the Society and half by the children. 
The School Master to be paid by the Society. 
The Master to be paid by the Society. Paid Mr. Nathaniel 

Collins £32, Joseph Smith £5, Dorothy Treat £5 10s. for 

keeping school this year. 
The Master to be paid by the Society. 
Paid to Mr. Enoch Lyman £15 5s., to Mr. Collins £10. Mr. 

Jos. Smith £9, Serg. Joseph HoUister for boarding the Mas- 
ter £4 10s., and Benj. Hollister for the use of his house 15s. 
2 mo. " above the brook between Mr. Rich. Smith's house ;" 

to be paid by the Society. Paid Mr. Pelatiah Ivilborn £20 

13s., Mr. Jo. Smith £10, Mr. David Goodrich £12 13s. 

Mr. Jo. Hollister for boarding school master £6. Mr. B. 

Hallister " for the yoose of his hoose to keep school in Naigg 

the year past £1." 
Expense £67 12s. 6d. 
Paid Mr. Manoah Smith for 3 mo. keeping school £18, Jacob 

Mygatt £9 12s. Mr. Charles Treat for 2 mo. £12. 
" Interest on Town bonds £26 12s. lid. The country money 

[40s. on £1000. State Tax] £14 7s.— Paid N. School £9. 

Middle, £24. South, £23 15s." 
School to be kept as last year; £15 15s. Id. appropriated, 

half to be paid by Society, and half by tax on the children. 
Voted to build three school houses. 
Same time to 1749, expense not specified. 
"The boys' heads to pay £40 15s. lOd.; the Society, £40 

15s. lOd." 
" Wood to be brought by parents," &c. 
The same next year. 
" Wood levied on children's heads." 

j> " Master of Middle South 4 mo. £s-l. Nayaug 4 mo. 
> £80; — Interest on Town bonds, £S1 r2s., country mo- 
) ney £50 Ss." 
" Wood to be paid for as last year." " Voted, to pay Ser. 

Oliver Noble of Hebron £6 5s. for keeping school 3 mo." 
Schools to be kept for a short time near Charles Eddy's and 

Thomas Matson's. 
' And 2 mo. at the South end, and 2 mo. at the South East 

corner of the Town." 



116 

Year 

1761. "Schools as last year. Voted to build a school hovise in the South 

East part of the Town." 

1762. Schools as last year ; to be paid for by Society. 

1763. Schools as last year, the two lower schools to have ^ as much money 

as the others ; — " wood to be laid on children's heads or polls." 

1764. Voted to build a school house at the south end of the Town. Voted to 

Middle School £21 12s. ; to the Upper School £21 12s. ; to " Neigh- 
ogg" £21 12s. ; to Matson [hill] £7 4s. ; and to South School £7 4s." 

1765. Schools as last_year. Board of Teachers not to be over Gve shillings a 

week. 

1766. Schools as last year. " Wood to be laid on children's polls" and 

" teachers to be paid in grain." Voted to build a school house in the 
North District. 

1767. Schools and wood as last year. Proper proportion of money for each 

district to be determined by judges chosen for the purpose. 
17G8. Schools as last year ; teachers not to have more than £3 a month,— 
Voted to build a school house in the middle district. 

1771. Schools as last year, — old center school house to be sold. 

1772. Schools as last year. 

1773. One month to be added to North and " Neiogg" schools. 

r Schools to be kept as usual, before last year ; one month being added 
^'^^ J to the South and South East schools ; " wood to be laid on the heads 
^ [ of the children in each district." 

1776. Schools, as last year, — "wood to be laid on the children's heads." — 

North, Middle and Nayaug to have £18 for schools. Matson's and 
Lower end District to have £9 each. 

1777. Schools and School money same as last year. 

1778. Schools to be paid according to the time they are kept. Paid Teach- 

• ers, Capt. Wait Goodrich, £1S,— Joseph Moseley, £18,— Jonathan 
Hollister, £1S, Stephen Goodrich, £9. 

1779. Schools to be " kept the usual time at the usual places, at the Society's 

expense." 

1780. Vote of last year repassed. 

1781. " £18 voted to North, Middle, and Nayaug Schools, £9 to each of the 

others, in lawful money, or an equivalent in continental bills." At 
a meeting held a few months after, — " Voted the whole of said meet- 
ing void as not being a full meeting." "Voted to the three districts 
mentioned above, 12 bushels of wheat, or its equivalent in bills, and 
to the other districts in the same proportion." 
This year this school Society established six school Districts, one at the 
South end of the Town,— one at the South East corner of the Socie- 
ty, one including what is now the central part of South Glasten- 

bury, and three others on the main street South of Hartford line, and 
directed that a school should be kept at least four months in each year, 
in each district. 
1782-3 and 4. £12 allowed to each district, if they keep school 4 months. 
A new school house was built in the S. District this year, cost £S1, 
5s. 3d. 



117 

1785. Districts to keep school 5 mo. and receive £15. 

17S6-7 to 90. Schools to be kept 5 mo., salaries not exceed £3 per mo. 

1791. Same as last year. New district estjjiblished, and £12 appropriated to 
the two Northern, and £13 10s. to the other five, being nearly in the 
proportion of scholars from 4 to 14. A new school house to be built 
and scholars between 4 and 14 to be enumerated, and the list given 
to Soc. Com. 

1792-3 to 5. £91, 10s. voted for schools. 

Glastenbury School Society from the School 
Society Records. 

From the first settlement of the country until 1795, all the 
business of the Public Schools was transacted at the Society 
meetings of those Ecclesiastical bodies which had been es- 
tablished by law. By an Act passed that year, the School 
and the Society were separated, and their respective duties 
have since been discharged, — (so far as duties to the school 
have been discharged) — by different bodies. From this 
period, too, dates the establishment of Districts, as distinct 
bodies ; for though these had been previously established, it 
was only as a matter of convenience, and being without 
specific local limits, did not require the residents of the sev- 
eral Districts to send to the school in the District where they 
resided. This was the practice of the first Society, and was 
declared bi/ vote, to be the intention of the people of the sec- 
ond Society. 

1796, There is no record of a meeting of the School Society of Glastenbury, 

in 1795, but in 1796, a committee appointed at a previous meeting 
reported the following appraised value of the several School Houses 
in the Society. 

(1) That by Mr. Alger's, £7, 15s. (Hopewell.) 

(2) " " Taylor's, £38, 5s. 6d. (South Part.) 

(3) " " Woodbridge's,£8, 7s. 2f/. (South Village.) 

(4) " Mr. Gideon Hale's, £21, Os. lOd. (Centre.) 

(5) " " Griswold's, £lO, 4s. (Green.) 

(6) " " Welles, £33, 8s. 4d. (North Glastenbury.) 

(7) " " Smith's, £13, lis. 5(Z. (Pratt's Ferry.) 

1797, £91, 10s, raised by tax for schools. 
1797, £76, 13s. lid. voted for school houses. 

1800, A tax levied, which, with the public money shall amount to £108, to 
be divided according to the attendance. 



118 

1801-2. £108 expended for schools, — what the public money did not supply, 

being raised by tax on all the inhabitants. 
1803, No record of rate made. 

1805, Teachers to be examined by three or more of the Board of Overseers. 

1808, Voted to apply the " Loan money" to schools, — the interest this year 

being applied to buy a hearse," &c. 

Nayaug District established this year, and Manoah Smith apppointed 

the first District Committee. 

1817, Voted $20 to schools, in addition to the Public money derived either 

from Town or State. 
1820, The following vote appearing in the Society Kecords, though not the 
doings of the Society, as such, is an important item in our school 
history. At a full meeting of the Board of Visitors, it was, — 
Voted unanimously ; That the several instructors of the District Schools in 
this Society, be directed to instruct the children in their respective schools, 
in the rudiments o literature, religion, morals, and manners ; particularly in 
a knowledge of spelling, reading, and writing, and they are directed not to ' 
instruct the children in Arithmetic, Grammar and Geography during regu- 
lar school hours." 

The object of this measure was, to raise the standard of education, by com- 
pelling children to attend the High School or Academy. The practical 
operation, however, seems to have been different from what was intended, 
and to have tended downward, rather than upward, as similar efforts always 
will. 

1823, Burying ground at Church established, half an acre having been pur- 
chased at $50. 
1828, High School at North Glastenbury established. 
1837, Bounds of Districts reestablished. 

1844, Regulations of the Burying Ground at the Green, and by-laws passed ; 

confirmed by the Legislature in 1845. 

1845, This School Society divided, and called Glastenbury and South Glas- 

tenbury. 

Eastbury School Society ; from the Soc. Records. 



Expense £7, ir.s. " half on children's heads." Board, £3, 18s. 
Teachers, Gideon Hollister, Dan'i Wright, and Edw'dBoardnian. 

Mr. Easton £5, 2s. 2d. ; John Waddams £2, 9s. 6d. ; Mr. Strick- 
land, for boarding Teachers, £5, 19s. '• Voted the Society pay 
the school-master, and not the heads." 
1734, 

1735, 6 4" Heads not to pay." 

1736, 6 4 Same as -last year. Paid Mr. Easton £7, 5s. 

1737, Society voted " not to pay for a school-master. 
173S, 5 Expense £4, 7s. 6d. and £3, 5s. 6d. 



6 o 

a s 

H 5 

6 3 

6 4 

6 4 

6 4 

6 4 



119 



1739 
1740 



1741 
1742 



1743 

1744 
1745 
1746 
1747 
174S 
1749 

1750 



1751. 
1752, 

1753. 
1754. 
1755. 

1756. 
1757. 
175S. 
1759. 
1760. 
1761. 

1762 
1763 
1764 
1765 
1766 
1767 
1768 

1769 
1770 
1771 
1772 
1773 
1774 
1775 

1776 

1777 



1 


i 


6 


2 


6 


3 


6 


3 


6 


2 


6 


4 


6 


2 




4 


6 


4 


6 


4 


6 


3 


« 


2 


6 


3 


6 


4 


6 


3 


6 


4 


6 


4 


6 


4 


6 




6 




11 


2 


11 


3 
















4 












4 








4 




4 


12 




12 




12 




,12 


4 



"Jonathan Wickham for keeping school, £11, 5s." 
Voted not to raise a tax, but to make a rate on children's heads, for 
what the Society funds and " Country money" will not pay. 

Voted for schools, £16, 12s. " Country money amounting to £5, 
8s. Paid Mr. Webster, £7, 4s. Stephen Andrews, £4, 14s., Jona- 
than Wickham, £14, 4s." 

Paid " Mr. Easton, 3 w. and 3 d. £3, Is. ; Gideon Hollister, 1 mo. 
£4, 5s. ; Daniel Wright, 8 w. £4; Pelatiah Kilborn, 3 mo. 2 w. 
and3d. £15, Ss. 2rf." 

'• David Dickinson, 6 w. 2 d. £7, 10s. ; Mr. Easton, 4 mo. 1 w. 4 d. 
£16, 10s. 8d." 

" Stephen Andrews, £12, 10s. ; Jona. Wickham, £9, 7s. 6d. ; Jo- 
seph Easton, £4; Deac. Hollister, 1 mo. 3 w. £10, 13s. 9d." 

"J. Wickham, 2 mo. £12, 10s.; John Kimberly, 5 w. £7, 10s.; 
Tho. Morly, 6 w. 3 d. £10, 2s. Id." 

" D. Dickinson, 1 mo. 3 d. £6, 6s. Sd. ; E. Andrews, 1 mo. 3 w. 
£14; Capt. D. Hubbard, 3 mo. 1 w. 5 d. £27, 10s." 

" E. Hubbard, 2 mo. £20 ; Job Wrisly, 2 mo. 3 d. £21 ; E. Crock- 
er, 3 w. 5 d. £9, 10s." 

" E. Hubbard, 2 mo. £20 ; Capt. D. Hubbard, 2 w. 3 d. and board- 
ing himself, £12, 5s. ; John Hill, 2 mo. 4 d. and boarding himself, 
£23, 16s. Sd." 

" Ens. Benj. Strickland, 3 mo. 3 w. 3 d. £54, 5s. ; Tho. Hollister, 
1 mo. 1 w. £17, 10s. ; Capt. Hubbard, 3 w. 3 d. £15, 5s., each 
boarding himself." 

Voted to build a school house. 

"J. Goodale, 3 mo. £34, 10s.; Ab. Fox, £17; John Gustin, Jr. 
6 w. £17." 

Expense, £79, 10*. 

Expense, £93, 15s. 

Expense, £78. 

Expense, £84. Added after £S, Ss. 



" According to law." 

" £15, 7s. 2d, half paid by society, half by children's heads." 

Voted to build three school houses, — one 14 by 16, and the other 

two 12 by 14. 
" To be paid by the society." Cost of the three houses, £56, 14s. 6d. 
Expense, £47, lis. 6d. 
Expense, £25, 9s. 

Expense, £25, Is. 8d. "Heads of scholars to find fire wood." 
Expense, £24, 12s. 6d. 3/. 
Expense, £27, 10s. 9d. 
" Time to be according to the list," and " the heads of children to 

find firewood," £24, 12s. Id. 
£32, Is. 6d. according to the List. 
£26, 19s. 6d. 
£33, 7s. Ihd. including £5, 13s. for boarding Teachers. 

" Wood to be got by the heads that go to school," £36, Is 

" Voted not to pay over £2, 10s. a month for keeping school." 

A school house 24 by 18 to be built in the N. District, at a cost of 

£60. Expense of school £26, 17s. Id. 
A school house to be built in the E. District 20 by 16, with 5 win- 
dows, and 20 squares of glass in a window. Cost £35. 
Voted to pay but £2 per month beside board. 



120 



1 


3 




177S, 


12 


4 


1779, 


16 




1780, 


12 




17S1, 


12 




1782, 


12 




17S3, 


12 




17S4, 


12 




1785, 


12 




17Sf5, 


12 




17^7, 


IG 




17^8, 


16 




1759, 


16 




90 to 






90, 







Voted to pay £5, a month, the school-masters to board themselves. 
Jonah Fox, South School, £15 ; Pelatiah Loveland, Middle South, 
£15; Eleazer Hubbard, North School, £12, 10s.; Aaron Hub- 
bard, East School, £15. 

" Voted to have no schooling the year insuing," subsequently recon- 
sidered, and voted " wood to be got by the polls." " £32, voted 
to each district." *' Also, that the money for which the old school 
houses sold, should be taken to repair the Meeting House." 

Teachers " to have £24 a month including board." 

'' Voted to pay £4 a month States money." 

"Districts which had no school last year to have their part of the 
money this. Expense £33, lawful money." 

" At 55s. a month, amounting to £33." 

Paid 4 teachers £9, each, equal to £36. Voted " to build 3 school 
houses," the previous votes not having been carried into effect. 

" Voted £9 to each district." 

At £3 a month. 

Voted £48 tor schools. 

Districts to determine the time and place of schools, £48 voted. 

In 4 parts. Voted £12 to each district ; they to have 4 mo. school. 
After this year, (1796,) the school and the society meetings were 
distinct and separate. 



Eastbury School Society Records ; beginning at 1800. 

1800, Voted £60, including Country and Loan moneys, for schooling. 
ISOl to 1803. Same rate. 

1804. Voted £200, including Country and Loan moneys, and the same vote 
was continued year by year, to 1818. 

Number of Scholars enumerated, and amount of dividends from the School 
Fund, according to the enumeration, in the several School Societies in the 
town of Glastenhury from 1820, when said distribution commenced, to this 
time. 



GLASTENBURY. 



1820, 
1821, 



1821, 
1822, 



1823, 
1824, 
1825, 



Oct. 
March. 



Oct., 
March, 



Oct., 
March, 



Oct., 
March, 



Oct., 
March, 



Enumer- 
ation. 



695 
705 
690 
706 
722 



243 25 
312 75 



246 75 
317 25 



241 50 
345 00 



247 10 
353 00 



252 70 
361 00 



566 00 
564 00 
586 50 
000 10 
013 70 



EASTBURY. 



1820 

1821 



, Oct., 
, jNIarch, 



1821, 
1822, 



1823, 
1824, 
1825, 



Oct., 
March, 



Oct., 
March, 



Oct., 
March, 



Oct., 
March, 



Enumer 
ation. 



372 
382 
351 
347 
329 



-Amou't 
in $ 


Total. 


1.30 20 
167 40 


297 60 
305 00 

298 35 
294 95 
279 65 


133 70 
171 90 


122 85 
175 50 


121 45 
173 50 


115 15 
164 50 



121 



GLASTENBURY. 



Date. 


Enumer- 
ation. 


Amou't. 

in S> 


Total. 


1S2.5, Oct., 
1S26, March, 


734 
711 
706 
677 
686 
639 
664 
663 
662 
688 
690 
694 
650 
6-l_3 
013 
618 
GIO 
041 
617 


256 90 
367 00 


623 90 
604 35 
600 10 
575 45 
617 40 
575 10 
597 60 
629 85 
628 90 
688 00 
724 50 
798 10 
7S0 00 
S03 75 
766 25 
S34 30 
^54 00 
S97 40 
S63 SO 


" Oct., 
1827, March, 


248 85 
355 50 


" Oct., 
1828, March, 


247 10 
353 00 


« Oct., 
1829, March, 


236 95 
338 50 


" Oct., 
1830, March, 


240 10 
377 30 


« Oct., 
1831, March, 


223 65 
351 45 


«' Oct., 
1832, March, 


232 40 
365 20 


« Oct., 
1S33, March, 


232 05 
397 80 


« Oct., 
1834, March, 


231 70 
397 20 


« Oct., 
1835, March, 


240 SO 
447 20 


« Oct., 
1836, March, 


241 50 
4S3 00 


" Oct., 
1837, March, 


242 90 
555 20 


" Oct., 
183S, March, 


227 50 
552 50 


" Oct., 
1839, March, 


225 05 

57S 70 


« Oct., 
1840, March, 


214 55 
551 70 


" Oct., 
1841, March, 


216 30 
618 00 


« Oct., 
1842, March, 


213 50 
640 50 


" Oct., 
1843, Maich, 


224 35 

r,73 05 


" Oct, 
1844, March, 


215 95 
r.47 S5 



EASTBURY. 



Date. 


Enumer- 
ation. 


Amou't. 
in $ 


Total. 


1825, Oct., 


340 


119 00 




1826, March, 


" 


170 00 


2S9 00 


" Oct., 


344 


120 40 


1827, March, 


" 


172 00 


292 40 


« Oct., 


342 


119 70 


1828, March, 


" 


171 00 


290 70 


" Oct., 


346 


121 10 


1829, March, 


" 


173 00 


294 10 


" Oct., 


349 


122 15 


1830, March, 


" 


191 95 


314 10 


" Oct., 


345 


120 75 


1831, March, 


" 


IS9 75 


310 50 


" Oct., 


323 


113 05 


1832, March, 


" 


177 65 


290 70 


" Oct., 


314 


109 90 


1S33, March, 


" 


ISS 40 


•^98 30 


" Oct , 


312 


109 20 




1834, March, 


" 


187 20 


296 40 


" Oct., 


299 


104 05 


1835, March, 


" 


194 35 


299 00 


" Oct., 


298 


104 30 


1S36, March, 


" 


20S 60 


312 90 


" Oct., 


311 


108 S5 


1S37, March, 


" 


248 SO 


356 65 


" Oct., 


269 


94 15 


1S38, March, 


" 


223 65 


322 80 


" Oct., 


237 


100 45 




1839, March, 


" 


258 30 


358 75 


" Oct., 


292 


102 20 


1S40, March, 


" 


262 SO 


365 00 


" Oct., 


282 


9S 70 


1841, March, 


" 


2S2 00 


3S0 70 


" Oct., 


315 


110 25 


1S42, March, 


" 


330 75 


441 00 


" Oct., 


296 


103 60 


1843, March, 


'i 


310 SO 


414 40 


" Oct., 


2S0 


93 00 




1S44, March, 


" 


294 00 


392 00 



122 



GLASTENBURY. 



1844, Oct., 

1845, March, 



" Oct., 

1846, March, 



" Oct., 
1847, March, 



" Oct., 
1848, March, 



" Oct., 

1849, March, 



" Oct.. 
1S50, March, 



" Oct., 
1851, March, 



" Oct., 
1852, March, 



624 
329 
324 
338 
320 
313 
340 
347 



249 60 
624 00 



131 60 
329 00 



145 SO 
324 00 



152 10 
338 00 



160 00 
320 00 



156 50 
313 00 



170 00 
306 00 



173 50 
312 30 



Total. 

873 60 
460 60 
469 80 
490 10 
480 00 
469 50 
476 00 
485 SO 



1844, Oct., 

1845. March. 



" Oct., 
1846, March, 



" Oct., 
1847, March, 



" Oct., 

1848, March, 



" Oct., 
1849, March, 



" Oct., 
1850, March, 



" Oct., 
1S51, March, 



" Oct., 
1852, March, 



Amou't. 

in $ I 



276 
256 
264 
259 
261 
278 



110 40 
276 00 



102 40 
256 00 



118 SO 
264 00 



116 55 
259 00 



130 50 
261 00 



130 00 

278 00 



132 00 
237 60 



135 00 
243 00 



386 40 
358 40 
382 80 
375 55 
391 50 
417 00 
369 60 
378 00 



SOUTH GLASTENBURY. 



Date. 


Enumer- 
ation. 


Amou't. 
in $ 


Total. 


1845, Oct., 


297 


US 80 




1840, March, 


" 


297 00 


415 SO 


« Oct., 


328 


147 60 


1847, March, 


" 


328 00 


475 60 


« Oct., 


339 


152 55 


1848, March, 


u 


339 00 


491 55 


" Oct., 


351 


175 50 


1849, March, 


" 


351 00 


526 50 


" Oct., 


368 


1S4 00 


1850, March, 


" 


368 00 


552 00 


" Oct., 


347 


173 50 


1851, March, 


" 


312 30 




" Oct., 


344 


172 00 




1S52, March, 


" 


309 60 


481 60 



123 



ACADEMIES. 



Several efforts have been made in this Town, to establish 
schools of a higher order, and not without some temporary 
success. The old Academy on the Green, established in 
1792, was, half a century ago, one of the best and most 
flourishing schools in the State, sought unto by individuals 
from the surrounding Towns. It aided in the discipline and 
training of some of our most active and energetic citizens, 
in that class which is now becoming advanced. At a later 
period an Academy was established at South Glastenbury, 
which met with good success, until the burning of the house. 
This put an end to the school, and the few who had borne the 
chief burden, becoming disheartened, the place has since 
been without any regular Academical instruction. No list 
of the teachers in these Academies has been preserved, but 
we learn from other sources, that among those who have 
filled these offices, have been the celebrated Noah Webster, 
LL. D., and the ''learned Blacksmith," Elihu Burritt. The 
Academy at the South part of the Town, was at one period 
so flourishing, and embodied such a degree of active and 
energetic talent, that the pupils published a semi-monthly 
quarto paper, for some time. It was called the Tyro's Cas- 
ket, and did them credit, both in the matter and arrange- 
ment of the paper. 

MANUFACTURES AND COMMERCE. 

The location of Glastenbury on the bank of the Connecti- 
cut river, offered strong inducements to persuade the people 
to enter into some kind of commercial enterprise. What 
the earliest of these were it is impossible to ascertain ; but 
we may reasonably infer from the votes of the town that 
" Pipe staves, clapboards and tor," formed the earliest articles 
of export. These had been carried off in such quantities as 
to raise great fears in the minds of our ancestors, of the utter 
destruction of the wood and timber in town. Accordingly, 
in the early part of the last century, we find the town pro- 



124 

hibiting, by severe penalties, the exportation or wanton de- 
struction of timber of any sort. 

As early as 1756, we find an excise master of spiritous 
liquors, but whether on those manufactured or imported, is 
not certain. About the same time we find " Surveyors and 
Packers of Tobacco ;" also, " Gangers and Packers of Pork 
and Beef^'' all of whom were required to be under oath. 
The amount or extent of the trade in these articles, of course 
can not be known, but that it was considerable, may reason- 
ably be inferred from the fact that generally two, and not un- 
frequently three persons were appointed and sworn to each 
of these offices. To the articles of export already mention- 
ed, that of fish was added in 1762. 

We may also infer, that the manufacture of brick, which 
was carried on in this town for many years, was in success- 
ful operation, previous to 1766, as we find the town in that 
year voting to build a bridge " over the brook by Matthew 
Miller's, to be made with a brick arch at the cost of the 
town." 

Powder. At what time the manufacture of this article 
commenced in Glastenbury, we have been unable to ascer- 
tain. It must have been, however, several years previous to 
1777, and seems to have been carried on to a considerable 
extent. Hence, the town was never under the necessity of ap- 
plying to the Legislature for powder to make up its quota, the 
home manufacture always exceeding the home consumption. 
The manufacture of the article was brought suddenly to a 
close on the 23d of August, 1777, by the blowing up of the 
Powder Mill, which was situated in the valley now occupied 
by the Hartford Manufacturing Company. By this accident 
six persons were killed, either dying instantly or within twen- 
ty-four hours after. The names of the persons killed were: 
George Stocking, Sen., in the fiftieth year of his age ; George 
Stocking, Jr., in the twenty-eighth year of his age ; Hezekiah 
Stocking, in the twenty-second year of his age ; Nathaniel 
Stocking, in the nineteenth year of his age ; Isaac Treat, son 
of Samuel Treat ; Thomas Kimbcrly, Esq., in the thirtieth 
year of his age. 



125 

The mills were rebuilt by Col. Howel Woodbridge, and 
the rrianufacture of the acticle continued for some time, but 
was at length abandoned. 

Glass. The manufacture of this article in Glastenbury is 
of more recent occurrence, and yet unknown to the great 
body of the people. The Glass Works, as the place of man- 
ufacture is called, were situated in Wassuc, on the road to 
Colchester. The principal article of manufacture and which 
was continued for eight or ten years, was that of dark glass 
bottles. The distance from market, the difficulty of procur- 
ing good materials, but more particularly of good workmen, 
caused the enterprise to be abandoned some thirty years 
since. The buildings and apparatus were subsequently used 
for a tigie in the manufacture of cobalt, but this enterprise 
also failing to pay, was also soon abandoned. 

Cotton. The mills of the Hartford Manufacturing Com- 
pany are among the oldest in the State, it being nearly fifty 
years since the manufacture of cotton cloth was commenced 
at Nayaug. Another cotton mill is that of the "Wassuc Com- 
pany, about a mile and a half above the Hartford Compa- 
ny's mills, on Roaring Brook. In 1845 these mills run 5,690 
spindles, consumed 374,500 pounds of cotton, manufacturing 
cloth to the estimated value of $84,000. The number of 
males then employed was 70, the number of females 120. 

Woollen. The number of mills for the manufacture of 
this article is three ; that formerly called Hopewell, but now 
Nayaug Mills, on Roaring Brook, between the cotton mills 
already described ; Roaring Brook Mills, on Roaring Brook, 
a mile and a half above Wassuc cotton mills, at the place 
usually denominated Sparksville, and the Eagle Mills on Sal- 
mon Brook, in the northern part of the town. These mills, 
in 1844, consumed 188,616 pounds of wool, producing 6,000 
yards of Cassimere, 161,912 yards of mixed Satinets, and 
45,000 yards of mixed Tweeds, at an estimated value of 
$146,242. To these must be added one mill for the man- 
ufacture of Stockinett, recently introduced, the consumption 
tion of wool and the yearly value of manufacture being un- 
known. The amount of business at these mills is much as 



126 

in 1845, except at the Roarm<r- Brook Mills, in which it has 
been very considerably increased. 

Iron. The first manufacture of iron in this town is sup- 
posed to have been by Mr. Talcott Camp, who erected a forge 
for the manufacture of bar iron, bringing the ore for that pur- 
pose from a long distance, considerable of it coming from the 
State of New York. Subsequently, Messrs. Samuel and John 
Hunt were engaged in the same business. They had the mis- 
fortune to be burnt out, but rebuilt their works and continued to 
manufacture for a time, when circumstances compelled them 
to stop. Still later we find John Hunt and Elijah Hodge en- 
gaged in the same business. In the early part of this cen- 
tury, Messrs. Joseph and Thomas Stevens were engaged in 
the manufacture of ship irons, and for that purpose erected a 
trip hammer forge near the residence of the Misses Smith, 
but were compelled by the neighbors to abandon the enter- 
prise, on the ground that a trip hammer was a nuisance in the 
midst of a village. One forge yet remains, which when in 
operation, has been chiefly occupied in the manufacture of 
anchors for ships, a branch of business attended with very 
considerable profit or loss. 

Ship Building. The first ship built in this town, if not 
in the colony, was built by Samuel Smith in 1649, and has 
been continued more or less, on both sides of the river, from 
that time to the present. It was extensively carried on in 
Glastenbury for many years, but confined mostly to the 
smaller classes of vessels, including sloops, schooners and 
brigs, and varying in their capacity, from fifty to five hundred 
tons burden. Of those who have engaged in this branch of 
business at Nayaug, Capt. Roswell Hollister seems to have 
exceeded every other individual in that part of the town, 
having built more than a hundred sail. In the northern part 
of the town, the Welles's, the Sellews, the Hales, have been 
at different periods, extensively engaged in this business. 
To these must be added the names of Hubbard, Shipman, 
Jones, Gaines, Gildersleeve, and others, who have also pur- 
sued the same business in this town. The launching of a 
ship of the larger class was for a long time, an event of inter- 



127 

est to the whole commuuity, as appears from the following 
extract from the private Journal of one of our citizens, long 
since departed : 

" 1 794, October 30th. Went to launching of a ship of 500 Tons ; not less 
than 3,000 persons were present." 

That these launchings were not of unfrequent occurrence, 
appears from the same Journal, from which w^e learn that on 
the 26th of April, the 31st of August and the 21st of Sep- 
tember, 1785, the same individual was present at three differ- 
ent launchings. These seem to have been among some of the 
most important of the merry-makings of those days, balls 
being frequently held in the evening. 

Plated Ware. The plating of ware with silver, by 
means of the galvanic battery, is carried on very extensively 
by the Messrs. Curtis, at Pratt's Ferry, in the north-west 
part of the town. 

Ink, Shaving Soap and Shoe-Blacking. The establish- 
ment of Mr. Williams for the manufacture of these articles, 
though recent, has already become important, the quantities 
of each article manufactured being large and deservedly in 
repute. A daily use of the shaving soap for some years, en- 
ables us to bear testimony to its excellence, as having those 
superior qualities which should pertain to everything proceed- 
ing from Glastenhury. 

Guns. There is a small establishment in the southern 
part of Eastbury, where guns of a very excellent quality are 
manufactured, though on a limited scale. The celebrity of 
the arms here manufactured is proved by the fact, that nearly 
all of them are immediately taken up by the government 
of the United States. 

Distillation. This branch of business was formerly car- 
ried on to a considerable extent in this town, but has now 
nearly ceased. The only remaining distilleries are some two 
or three small ones for cider, but which do not perform busi- 
ness enough to make any considerable difference in the result 
of the total business of the town, whether mentioned or not. 

Cooperage. The manufacture of staves and casks for a 



128 

foreign market, has been here a very considerable branch of 
business from the beginning, and was for many years restrain- 
ed and regulated by a private law of the town. At the pres- 
ent time this branch of business is less than it was a few 
years ago, especially at Eastbury; yet, including the manu- 
facture oi powder casks at South Glastenbury, it must amount 
to thousands of dollars annually. 

Produce. The estimated amount and value of the pro- 
ductions of Glastenbury for 1845, was as follows : 







Value. 


Indian Corn, 


18,121 bu. 


S13,590.75 


Wheat, 


414 bu. 


455.40 


Rye, 


12,784 bu. 


10,227.20 


Oats, 


8,127 bu. 


3,250.00 


Potatoes, 


29,485 bu. 


11,794.00 


Turnips, 


2,670 bu. 


534.00 


Hay, 


4,680 tons, 


47,350.00 


Fruit, 


20,765 bu. 


2,602.00 


Tobacco, 


26,250 lbs. 


1,706.45 


Butter, 


5 9,955 lbs. 


8,393.70 


Cheese, 


16,167 lbs. 


1,293.36 


Honey, 


1,300 lbs. 


143.00 


Broom Corn, 


12,870 lbs. 


625.00 


Seed of same. 


1,250 bu. 


500.00 


Onions, 


490 bu. 


147.00 


Hops, 


270 lbs. 


54.00 


Flax, 


200 lbs. 


26.00 


Charcoal, 


107,300 bu. 


9,667.00 


Shad, 


340 bbls. 


2,650.00 


Other fish. 




800.00 


Wool, 


7,361 lbs. 


2,208.30 


Wood, sold of. 


2,382 cords. 


8,337.00 


Lumber, 


547 tons. 


2,461.00 


Brooms, 


11,000 


1,540.00 


Cigars, 




4,700.00 


Mechanics' Tools, 




1,500.00 


Leather, 


3,940 hides. 


14,500.00 


Cabinet ware. 




1,000.00 


Boots and Shoes, 




1,780.00 



This account of the industrial pursuits of Glastenbury 
should not be closed without some mention of the advanta- 
ges offered by this town for manufacturing. There are few 



129 

towns in the State, none certainly in this part of the State, 
furnishing water power of such extent and durability as this. 
Roaring Brook offers not less than nine or ten water privi- 
leges within three miles of the river, most of them with fall 
sufficient for any ordinary purpose of manufacture. Besides 
these, there are several locations on the Brook and its branch- 
es, affording good mill seats. Another recommendation of 
this stream is, that being short, and fed mostly by springs, it 
is a never failing stream, and being rarely so much affected 
by the severest droughts as to interfere with the mills. The 
other streams in town, though smaller and less lasting, fur- 
nish numerous privileges for the smaller kinds of machinery. 
And still another advantage which might be readily obtain- 
ed at Glastenbury, is that of a rail road, cheaply built and 
easily maintained, from East Hartford to Norwich, or to con- 
nect with the " Air Line Road" at Marlborough, and which 
should convey the goods and manufactures of the several 
companies of Glastenbury and Marlborough, to and from the 
very doors of their establishments. It is not too much to say, 
that such another convenient arrangement of rail road and 
manufactory, can hardly be obtained in the country at the 
cost of this. Whether some of the best and most convenient 
locations for business shall be suffered to remain idle, must 
depend upon the fact, whether capitalists and traders can be 
made to see and pursue their own best interests. 

MILLS. 

1667. The first grant for a saiu-mill in Glastenbury was 
made by the General Court to Thomas Harris, in 1667, who 
was to have forty acres of public land to encourage him 
therein. Mr. Harris having conveyed his property in the mill 
to Messrs. Joseph Bull and John Bidwell, Jr., they petitioned 
the General Court for an additional grant of land for the 
benefit of the mill. The Court accordingly granted 200 
acres in fee with liberty to take timber from any common 
land. These 240 acres were laid out in May, 1671. This 
mill was intended to have been erected beyond the three mile 
lots, but upon a more careful survey, the mill was found to 
9 



130 

stand on the east end of the lot of Samuel Hale, and the 
owners were obliged to petition the General Court for a con- 
firmation of title. 

1706. Leave was given by -the Town to Serjeant John 
Hubbard, Thomas Hale, Sen., John Gaines and William 
Johnson, to erect a Saw-mill on Roaring Brook. 

1712. The Town voted, " that there shall be a saiv-mill 
built upon either of the branches of Roaring Brook (at 
Wassuc) by the persons named as follows, Gershom Smith, 
Thomas HoUister, Jonathan Judd, Samuel Brooks, Ebenezer 
Kilborn and Thomas Kimberly." At the same time the 
Town granted lands suitable for erecting a mill upon and for 
pondage, with privilege in the common for cutting timber ; 
to be built in one year — and land to revert to the Town when 
the mill should be discontinued. This mill was erected by 
Smith, Judd, E. Kilborn, with the assistance of John Kilborn 
and Joseph Tryon, and was " situated on the northernmost 
branch of Roaring Brook, a little above or north-east of the 
place where the old road leading from Hartford to New 
London crosses it." 

1715. Permission granted to Ephraim Bidwell, Joseph 
Smith and Gershom Smith to build a corn or grist mill on 
Salmon Brook, the dam to be on their own land. 

1728. Benjamin Hollister, permitted to build a saiv mill 
on Roaring Brook at Nayaug, and "is to have liberty to 
transport planks, boards, slit work, or any other sawed at 
said mill." 

1728. Samuel Gaines, Robert Loveland, Timothy Hale 
and Richard Smith, authorized to build a saw mill on Sal- 
mon Brook, in Great Swamp, on the land of Daniel Wright, 
with the same privileges as that at Nayaug. 

1730. Voted, That John Hubbard, Jr., attend to building 
a saw mill on Roaring Brook, where the old one was. 

1749. Liberty granted to Capt. David Hubbard, to erect 
a corn mill over Blackleach River. 

1754. Liberty granted to " Jediithen Smith to build a corn 
mill on his own land at the upper end of the Town, at the 



131 

south end of Candlewood Hill, where an old saw mill was 
built." 

1756. Liberty granted to " Samuel Goodrich to build a 
saw mill on Roaring Brook on his own land near the Cran- 
berry marsh." 

1767. Liberty given to Thomas Matson, " to build a saw 
mill on the brook near his house, provided it does not ob- 
struct or flow any highway." 

1767. And also to Thomas Hunt, " to build a saw mill 
where the olS saw mill stood, near where William Fox now 
dwells." 

1767. Also to David Hodge, " to build a saw mill on the 
deep gutter on Ephraim Goodrich's land." 

1769. Liberty given to John Hodge, " to build sl grist mill 
on his own land on Roaring Brook." 

1769. Also to Elisha Treat, " to build a lineet* mill on 
Roaring Brook on his own land." 

1772. Liberty granted to Daniel Hale, "to build & grist 
mill on his own land near where Israel Brewer now dwells.' 

1773. Jonathan Treat permitted " to build a saw mill on 
a stream in Ash Swamp, he getting liberty of the owner of 
the land." 

1773. And Jonathan House, " to build a saiv mill on the 
brook about 80 rods north of his dwelling house." 

1773. And Nathaniel Talcott, " to build a grist mill on 
Roaring Brook, near the saw mill on his own land." 

1773. And Samuel Brooks, " to build a saw mill where 
Ensign John Hills formerly built a mill." 

1782. Liberty granted to William Chamberlain, "to build 
a grist mill on his own land, on a stream called Blackleach's 
River." 

1783. David Dickenson, Jr., permitted " to build a saw 
mill on his own land." 

Subsequent to this time, persons appear to have erected 
such mills, and undertaken such manufactures, on their own 



* The meaning of the word lineet, is unknown to the oldest inhabitants, while 
the word is not to be found in any of the Dictionaries. The most probable 
conjecture seems to be that it signifies linseed oil, and that it was an oil mill 
that was to be erected. 



132 

premises, as they chose, provided that in so doing they in- 
fringed upon no right of their neighbors. 

MINISTERS OF THE FIRST SOCIETY FROM 1791 TO 1853. 
Rev. William Brown. Mr. Eells, as we have seen, died 
May 7th, 1791. After his death, Mr. Brown was hired to 
supply the pulpit for a time, and on the 16th of April, 1792, 
was called to settle, on a salary of XlOO, "lawful money," 
thirty cords of wood, — the use of the Parsonage land, and 
.£200 as a settlement, — to be paid <£50 annually, for four 
years. He was installed, May 17th, 1792. In December, 
1796, Mr. Brown asked for a dismission, proposing to repay 
£50 of his settlement. The society declined receiving this, 
but subsequently accepted of c£100, and consented to his dis- 
missal, which took place, January 25th, 1797. Mr. B. was 
graduated at Yale College, in 1789. He went to Tioga, 
N. Y., where he subsequently relinquished his profession and . 
commenced practice at the Bar.* 

Rev. William Lockwood. In April, 1797, the Rev. 
WiUiam Lockwood was engaged to supply the pulpit in this 
Society, and was called to settle in the same, in the follow- 
ing June. He was installed, August 30th, in the same year. 
Mr. Lockwood's health proving insufficient for the discharge 
of the duties of his office, he was dismissed from the same, 
May 1st, 1804. Mr. Lockwood, the son of the Rev. James 
Lockwood of Wethersfield, born Jan. 21st, 1753, was grad- 
uated at Yale, 1774, and Tutor in the same, 1779 and 1780. 
He married Sarah Sturges of Fairfield, Dec. 16th, 1784, by 
whom he had — 

Ann, b. Oct. 5, 1785, m. Geo.Plummer,Esq., Glas.,May 7th,1807. 
Sarah, b. April 4, 1787, m. Joseph Wright, Glas., Nov. 24th, 1807. 
Samuel, b. Jan. C, 1789, Merchant in Glasteubury. 
William, b. Sept. 9, 1792, d. Dec. 6, 1827. 
Priscilla, b. Not. 21, 1796. 

Mrs. Lockwood died Aug. 31, 1834. 

He was settled over the first Church and Society in Mil- 
ford, March 17th, 1784, which he was obliged to leave on 

♦ Am. Q. R. IV. 308. 



183 

account of ill health, and was accordingly dismissed, April 
28th, 1796. He continued to reside in Glastenbury, until 
the time of his death, June 23d, 1828. He published a Ser- 
mon on the death of Mi's. Woodbridge, 1799.* 

Rev. Prince Hawes. On the resignation of Mr. Lock- 
wood until February, 1807, the Society was without a settled 
minister. At that time the Rev. Mr. Hawes was invited to 
preach on probation, and in the April following, was called 
to settle among them on a yearly salary of $500. He was 
ordained June 24th, 1807. Mr. Hawes was born at Yar- 
mouth, Mass. and graduated at Williamstown, 1805. He 
married Hannah, daughter of Benjamin Hale of Glastenbury. 
At the annual meeting of the Society, December, 1819, it was 
" Voted, That it is the opinion of this meeting that the use- 
fulness of the Rev. Prince Hawes as a minister of the Gos- 
pel in the First Ecclesiastical Society in Glastenbury, is so 
far impaired, as to render a dissolution of the connection be- 
tween him and the Society desirable and expedient." There 
being no specific charges against Mr. Hawes upon which to 
urge his dismission, the Society accepted a proposition made 
by him to pay " him $250, as damages on account of his 
dismission," upon which condition he consented to a disso- 
lution of the connection between them, and which accord- 
ingly took place early in 1820. He was settled in Boston, 
from ] 824 to 1827. He was subsequently at Woodbridge, 
and at Clinton from Feb., 1835 to Dec, 1836. He died in 
1848, aged 64. Welles Hawes, Esq., for some years a law- 
yer of repute at Putnam, Ohio, now of Brooklyn, N. Y., is 
son of the Rev. Mr. Hawes.f 

After the removal of Mr. Hawes, the Parish called Mr. 
Henry Robinson, b. Guilford, Conn., 1789, graduated at 
Yale, 1811, and Andover, 1816, to settle among them in the 
work of the ministry, which was declined by Mr. R. An in- 
vitation was then given to Mr. Amzi Benedict, b. New Ca- 
naan, 1791, graduated at Yale, 1814, and Andover, 1818, to 
settle here, which was also declined. 

* Am. Q. R. IV. SOS, 311. Brace's Hist. Cli. Millbrd, IS. Lamb. Mil. 103. 
t Am. Q. R. IV. 308. 



134 

Rev. Caleb Birge. On the 18th of June, 1821, the Socie- 
ty, "Voted, That we approve of the performances of the 
Rev. Caleb Birge, M. D., as a preacher of the Gospel." He 
was therefore invited to settle here on a salary of $600. He 
was installed in August, 1821. On the I7th of November, 
1825, the Church expressed its opinion by its vote, " That 
the ministerial labors of the Rev. Mr. B. had not been at- 
tended with any special Divine blessing;" and, " That the 
prospect of his future usefulness was more clouded than 
ever," and hence, they desired a dissolution of the connec- 
tion between them. He was, therefore, dismissed on the 22d 
of November, of the same year. Mr. Birge was born at 
Tolland, Conn., 1782, graduated at Middlebury, 1806. He 
was settled first at Guildhall, in 1808, dismissed in 1814, and 
afterwards at Brattleboro, Vt, from 1814 to 1819. After 
leaving Glastenbury, he was settled in the State of New 
York for a few years, when he gave up preaching and con- 
fined himself to the practice of medicine. He died in 1838, 
aged 56, his death being caused by being thrown from his 
carriage. Mr. Birge was regarded by his cotemporaries as 
an able and discriminating preacher. He published a work 
on the Atonement, which is still regarded as valuable.* 

Rev. Samuel Hopkins Riddell. From the departure of 
My. Birge, the Society had occasional supplies until April 
23d, 1827, when Mr. Riddell was called, and accepted. He 
was ordained June 27th, 1827. Mr. Riddell was a native of 
Hadley, Mass., and graduated at Yale, 1823, and at Ando- 
ver, 1826. He remained at Glastenbury until 1837, when 
having been elected an Agent of the American Education 
Society, he was dismissed from his Pastoral charge, in order 
that he might enter upon the duties of his Agency. He was 
Secretary of the American Education Society,f for many 
years, but is now Editor of the Puritan Recorder. 

Rev. James Allwood Smith, the present Pastor of this 
Church, was born at Hartford, Nov. 6th, 1806, was gradua- 



* Am. Q. R. IV. SOS. 
t Am. Q. R. IV. 30&. 



135 

ted at Yale in 1826. He studied Theology at Andover, two 
years, but completed his course at New Haven, 1830. He 
was settled over the Church and Society of Somersworth, 
N. H., from 1831 to 1837, when he was called to Glasten- 
bury.* 

MINISTERS OF THE SECOND SOCIETY FROM 1805 TO 1853. 

The Rev. James Eells, having died on the 20th of Jan- 
uary, 1805, the Society in the September following, gave the 

Rev. Clarke, a call to settle in the Gospel ministry on 

a salary of <£100, with an additional <£10 a year, the first 
ten years, hj way of settlement. This call seems to have 
been declined. Which of the many Mr. Clarks this was, 
we are unable to learn, and consequently can give nothing of 
his history. 

Rev. Joseph Strong, was called to settle in the parish of 
Eastbury, in April, 1806. The Society voted to give him 
" $300, for his encouragement a year, so long as he should 
supply the pulpit." The call being accepted, he was install- 
ed soon after. Mr. Strong remained at Eastbury until 1817, 
when the Society in August, voted " To go forward and call 
a Council for the purpose of dismissing Mr. Strong from his 
Pastoral office in said Society." The Parish at this time 
seems to have been weak and troubled to get along, and ac- 
cordingly they voted, " To apply to the Domestic Society of 
Conn., for some assistance towards supplying the pulpit," but, 
though some aid was extended, they were unable to settle 
any one until 1822. Theodore Strong, graduated at Yale, 
1812, and since Professor of Mathematics and Natural Phi- 
losophy, first in Hamilton, and now in Rutgers College, is 
son of Rev. Jacob Strong. He ranks among the first schol- 
ars in the country in the abstruser branches of the Mathe- 
matics.! 

Rev. Jacob Allen, was called in June, 1822, on a salary 



* Am. Q. R. VI. 247. 
fAm. Q. R. IV. 308. 



136 - 

of $300, "exclusive of the money the Domestic Missionary 
Soc. of Conn, shall pay." The call was accepted, and he was 
installed shortly after. Mr. Allen remained at Eastbury, un- 
til 1835, when measures were taken by the Church and 
Society to procure his dismissal, and a council was accord- 
ingly called by which he was dismissed. Mr. Allen was 
born in Columbia, but spent his early life in Somers. 
He was graduated at Dartmouth in 1811. He is now in the 
eastern part of the State.* 

Rev. Aaron Snow. After the departure of Mr. Allen, 
the Parish were without a settled minister until 1840, being 
supplied by occasional services, the principal of which were 
rendered by the Rev. Mr. Williams, who was hired to preach 
one year for $6 a week. In October, 1840, they called the 
present Pastor, the Rev. Aaron Snow, on a salary of $400 a 
year, " including what the Domestic Misssionary Society of 
Connecticut should pay." Mr. Snow was born at Saybrook, 
June 26th, 1804, graduated at Yale 1835, and at the Theo- 
logical Seminary connected with it in 1838. He was ordain- 
ed, April 28th, 1841. 

ST. LUKE'S CHURCH, GLASTENBURY; EPISCOPAL. 

There had been a few Episcopalians in Glastenbury from 
an early period, but no effort had ever been made (if the 
thought had been entertained) of establishing an Episcopal 
parish, until 1806. At that period, the peculiar doctrines of 
Calvinism were set forth witli, great prominence in many 
pulpits in this vicinity. The frequency and urgency with 
which these doctrines were preached gave offense to some, 
and were, no doubt, disagreeable to others. These things, 
taken in connection with the fact that there had been a very 
considerable increase of population at Nayaug, or South 
Glastenbury, and that the people there enjoyed the benefits 
of religious worship near home but rarely, led to the desire of 
the establishment of public service, of some sort, in that part 
of the town. The few churchmen residing in town, availed 
themselves of the opportunity to propose the establishment 

*Ani. Q. R. IV. 308. 



137 

of an Episcopal parish, which was received with very con- 
siderable favor, fifty-one persons subscribing thereto. Of this 
number, a very few were churchmen, a considerable number 
were desirous of some mode of religious doctrine and wor- 
ship more congenial to their feelings than the Calvinistic, 
while still another class, if we may judge from their subse- 
quent conduct, sought relief from the minister's rate, rather 
than his doctrine. 

Rev. Menzies Raynor. The parish was organized by 
the choice of the Rev. Menzies Raynor, Rector of Christ 
Church, Hartford, Rector of this parish also, to which were 
added the proper officers required by the Episcopal organiza- 
tion. Mr. Raynor, who preached here occasionally during the 
first year, is supposed to have been a descendant of Thurs- 
ton Raynor, one of the earliest landholders in Naubuc. He 
was a native of Hempstead, L. L, and had been a Methodist 
preacher, from 1790, before receiving orders in the Episco- 
pal chm-ch. He subsequently embraced the doctrines of 
Universalisra, and was displaced from the ministry. 

Rev. Manoah Smith Miles was invited to take charge of 
this parish the year following, ( 1807,) — with the understand- 
ing that he should preach here one-fourth part of the time. 
Mr. Miles was also here from 1815 to 1820. Mr. Miles was a 
descendant of the early settlers of Glastenbury — was born 
at Derby, March 19, 1766 — and was graduated at Yale, in 
1791. He was ordained deacon in 1795, and priest in 1796. 
In 1797 he was called to the Rectorship of Trinity Church, 
Chatham — now Portland — r#;aining it until his death, Jan- 
uary 31st, 1830. 

Rev. Nathan B. Burgiss was invited to this Parish in 
1808, and remained here two or three years, during which 
time a church was built, fifty-six by thirty-eight feet, and 
partly finished. He was here again in 1820, and remained 
about the same length of time. Mr. B. was born at Killing- 
worth (as is supposed) — was ordained Deacon in 1801, and 
Priest in 1802, and has since officiated in a great variety of 
places. He remained in Connecticut until 1834, since which 
time he has resided in Western" New York. 



138 

Rev. Ammi Rogers. In the interval between Mr. Miles 
and Burgiss' first and second terms of service here, the Par- 
ish was visited with a sore affliction, in the person of Ammi 
Rogers. Mr. R. was a native of Branford — graduated at 
Yale, 1790 — and was ordained by the Bishop of New York, 
Deacon in 1792, and Priest in 1794 ; the first office being 
obtained on the strength, in part at least, of forged creden- 
tials. He was a man of superior talent and tact, capable 
of great good, or immense mischief. In this place, all his 
energies seem to have been bent upon evil; and though he 
never succeeded in causing himself to be elected Rector of 
the Parish — having been previously displaced from the min- 
istry — he did succeed in dividing the Parish, and depriving 
it of some of its most active and valuable members. He 
died in 1851, aged 82. 

Rev. AsHBAEL Steele, who was here in 1824, was born 
at Watertown — educated an Episcopalian — ordained Dea- 
con in 1823, and Priest in 1825, and remained in the Diocese 
but a short time, and has since been mostly at the West 
and South. 

Rev. Hector Humphrey, D. D., was called to this parish 
in 1825, and remained here until 1831. During his ministry, 
the Church was completed and Consecrated. Dr. Humphrey 
was born at Canton, June 8th, 1797 — was educated a Con- 
gregationalist, and graduated at Yale, 1818. He was or- 
dained Deacon in 1824, and Priest in 1825. He was Profes- 
sor of Ancient Languages in Trinity College during all the 
time of his connection with th^ Parish, and has been Pres- 
ident of St. John's College, Md., ever since. He has pub- 
lished a few addresses and sermons. 

Rev. Samuel Fuller, D. D., was born at Rensellearville, 
N. Y. — graduated at Union, 1822 — ordained Deacon in 1827, 
and Priest a year or two after. He was Rector of this Par- 
ish, and editor of the Episcopal Watchman during 1831 and 
1832. His time has since been spent in Litchfield, Conn., 
and Andovcr, Mass., as Rector of the Churches in those 
places, except a few years in which he was Professor of Di- 
vinity in the Theological Department of Kenyon College, 



139 

Ohio. He has written several valuable articles in the peri- 
odicals of the day, some of which have been republished in 
a pamphlet form, and circulated as tracts. Several sermons 
have also been published by him. 

Rev. Thomas J. Davis was Rector of this Parish in 1834, 
1835 and 1836, during which time measures were taken to 
erect a new church, which was completed and Consecrated 
in the time of Mr. Devins. 

Rev. David L. Devins, born at Boston, and educated a 
Congregationalist, was here in 1837. He was at one time a 
member of Amherst College, but seems not to have com- 
pleted his academical course. He was ordained Deacon 
previous to 1837, and Priest in 1839. An extreme nervous 
excitability, sometimes injudiciously excited, led him into 
many eccentricities and extravagances, and finally caused 
his renunciation of, and displacement from the ministry, in 
1842, notwithstanding his talents and eloquence as a preach- 
er had raised high hopes of his usefulness. 

Rev. William Bliss Ashlky, born at Pordand, educated 
a Congregationalist, was graduated at Trinity, 1834, and at 
the General Theological Seminary in 1838 — in which year 
he was also ordained Deacon, and immediately took charge 
of this parish. He received Priest's orders the year following. 
He remained here until 1842, when he removed to Derby. 
He was subsequently an Assistant Minister to Bishop 
McCoskry, at Detroit, but has now been several years Rec- 
tor of a church in Syracuse. He has published some ser- 
mons and addresses of interest. 

Rev. George Huntington Nichols became Rector of 
this Parish, at Easter, 1842, and remained so until Easter, 
1845. He was born at Bridgeport, 1819 — graduated at Trin- 
ity, 1839 — ordained Deacon in 1841, and Priest in 1842. 
After leaving this Parish he officiated for a while in Litch- 
field, but has now been for several years Rector of St. John's 
Church, Salisbury. 

Rev. Giles Henry Deshon was born at New London, 
1820— graduated at Yale, 1840— at the General Theological 
Seminary, 1843. He was ordained Deacon in 1843, and 



140 

Priest in 1S44. He was Rector of this Parish from 1"545. to 
some time in 1S4S. when his health compelled him to resign, 
and to seek its recoverr in a foreign clime. After his remm, 
with improved health, he ^vas called to St. Andrew's Chttrch, 
Meriden- ^srhere he still remains. 

Rev. William Stauxtox, an Englishman by birth, and 
for some years a Prof^sor and Teacher of Mnsic. in Bos- 
ton, was ordained Deacon in 1S33, and Priest in 1S34. Af- 
ter his ordination he remained a few years in Massachusetts, 
when he removed to Xew York, where he was for several 
years a special agent of the " Protestant Episcopal Sunday 
School Union," He then removed to Morristown, N. J., where 
he spent several years, subsequently returning to New York- 
Coming to Connecticut in 1849, he remained here until 
Easter. 1S50. He is the author of a valuable work called 
llie Church Dictionary, and has also published The Church 
C^nt-Book-*^ collection of chants adapted to the worship 
and service of the Protestant Episcopal Chiurch in the Uni- 
ted States, enriched by some compositions from his own 
pen, with an Introduction, containing instractions in regard 
to chanting. 

Rev. Abxer Jacksox, bom in "Washington County, Penn.. 
in ISIO— educated a Presbyterian — graduated at Tirinity 
College, 1837: was ordained Deacon, 1838, and Priest 
in 1847. He officiated in this Parish from Easter to the fall 
of 1850. He has been for a number of years Professor of 
Moral and Intellectual Philosophy, and Lecturer on Chem- 
istry, in Trinity College. He was also the editor of the 
Calendar from the Spring of 1848 to 1853. 

Rev, Aloxzo Bowex Chapix, D. D., was bom at Somers, 
March 10th, 1808. He received his eariy literary training 
under the eye and the direction of his father, whose superior 
scholarship and happy tact for communicating knowledge, 
rendered him an excellent teacher. For several years his 
studies had been chosen, and his education directed, with 
reference to the probability of his entering the ministry 
among the Congregation allots, in which body his father had 
also ministered, though then disabled by bodily infirmity. 



141 



iSSi. 2^i 





Qraiddewdogj, ani 


— 


----^sied 


S«^Ns: 


QOLKYKBLT CkXT^ 


- 


-:.si5iEsnr 


put ti^~ she K»gft^ 


- •'-^-* fe**^" 


r IT - - ~~ 


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and Sand^nae. 


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142 

ster on English Orthography; Nature and Design of the 
Canticles, with a new translation. , 

New York Review. 1837 — Genuineness of the Epistles of 
Ignatius; 1838, Origin and Progress of Popular Liberty; 
Discovery of America by the Northmen; 1840, Study of the 
Celtic Languages; Politics of the Puritans; 1841, Earliest 
ages of English Poetry. 

American Biblical Repository. 1838 — Ante-Columban 
History of America ; 1843, Review of Gliddon on Egyptian 
History and Chronology. 

Church Review. 1848 — Colonial Church Missions of the 
Seventeenth Century; The Apostolic Constitutions; 1849, 
Early Clergy of Connecticut; 1850 — Neander as a Church 
Historian; 1851 — A Half- Century's Progress; Colleges and 
the Ministry. 

Mercersburg Revieav. 1852 — Theology of Linguistics. 

His principal Pamphlets have been, 1839 — Early Church- 
men of Connecticut; 1842 — A Churchman's Reason for 
joining a Temperance Society; Associations for Benevo- 
lence, Ancient and Universal; The principles of English 
Orthography developed in a system of rules for the whole 
language; 1843 — A Churchman's reasons for not joining in 
other worship; Inquiry into the origin and meaning of 
English Suffixes; 1844 — New Englandism and the Bible; 
The state of Religion in England and Germany compared; 
1850 — Christ Church, West Haven, for ten years; The era 
of the Crucifixion; 1851 — Notes on the Rev. Dr. Thomp- 
son's Church, Ministry and Worship. 

To these may be added the following, whose size might 
entitle them to the name of books : 1841 — An English 
SpelUng-book; 1842 — the same stereotyped and entitled, 
The Classical Spelling-book; A view of the organization 
and order of the Primitive Church ; 1845 — The same revised 
and sterotyped; 1846 — Views of Gospel Truth. 



143 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, SOUTH GLASTENBURY. 

The following documents, furnished by the Rev. Mr. Chap- 
man, describe the time, manner and cause of forming a third 
Congregational Society in Glastenbury : 

" We, the subscribers, late members of the first Ecclesiastical Society in 
Glastenbury, residing in the South part thereof, considering that the Mectin<T 
House inwhich we usually worship is at an inconvenient distance from most of 
us, and when rebuilt, will probably be much further from us, and in view of the 
fact, that most of the families South of the centre of said Society have separat- 
ed themselves from the same, and a large proportion of them have not yet join- 
ed any religious Society, and considering the rapid increase of the population 
of the South part of this Society, and the recent establishment of laro-e manu- 
facturing concerns in that part of the Town, and having obtained liberty of 
said Society to withdraw therefrom and to form ourselves into a new Society 
for the reasons above stated, and trusting that we are influenced by a desire 
to promote the glory of God and the spiritual good of our fellow-men, do 
hereby mutually covenant and agree with each other, that we will, and we do 
hereby associate and unite ourselves together as an Ecclesiastical Society by 
the name of " the Congregational Society in South Glastenbury," and that 
the present form of Church government and the Confession of Faith practiced 
and acknowledged at this time in the Church and Society of the first Eccle- 
siastical Society, are and shall be the fundamental articles of Faith and 
Church government in this Society, and in the Church which may hereafter 
be formed in this Society ; and particularly it is hereby declared, that no min- 
ister shall be employed to preach or to be settled in and over this Society, but 
with the consent and approbation of the Church therein constituted, and who 
shall not assent to the aforesaid fundamental articles of Faith and Church 
government. 

" South Glastenbury, Feb'y 26, 1836." 
(Signed,) 
Stephen Strickland, Horatio Hollister, 

Pardon Brown, Lewis Strickland, 

Thomas Hubbard, Benjamin Hollister, 

Josiah Strickland, Howell W. Brown, 

Ansel Andrus, Jared Caswell, 

John Caswell, Amos Dean, 

Duel Higgins, John C. Robertson." 

The formation of the Church is described in the followino- 
extract from the records of the First Church in Glastenbury : 

'^ November i, 1846. The following communication was laid before the 
Church at a regular Church meeting, viz. 



144 



" To the Church in the First Ecclesiastical Society in Glastenhury: 

" Rev'd and Beloved : We whose names are undersigned, ]Members of your 
Christian Communion, having with a number of others, been duly constituted 
into an Ecclesiastical Society in the South part of this Town, and having by 
the blessing of Almighty God, erected and nearly completed an Edifice 
to be occupied by us and those with whom we are associated in this sacred 
enterprise, as a house of worship, would respectfully represent that we are de- 
sirous of being formed into a distinct Church of Christ, upon the same doc- 
trinal basis and the same principles of Ecclesiastical organization with the 
Church to which we now belong, and with a view hereafter to sustain and 
enjoy the ordinances established by Christ, in the new connection above re- 
ferred to ; and we do therefore request of you that letters of recommenda- 
tion in the usual form, may be granted to us, to be presented as testimonials 
of our Christian standing before the Council to be convened for the purpose 
of organizing the Church herein contemplated ; to take effect also, as letters 
of dismission In the event of said Church being formed, upon the grounds and 
principles above specified, and ourselves being admitted as Its members. 
" Glastenbury, October 12, 1836. 



(Signed,) 
" Pardon Brown, 
Josiah Hollister, 
John C. Robertson, 
Josiah Strickland, 
Russell Taylor, 
Horatio Hollister, 
John Caswell, 
Henry T. Bartlett, 
Benjamin Hollister, 
Ansel Andrus, 
Thomas Hubbard, 
Elizabeth Brown, 
,Mary Strickland, 
Nelly Strickland, 
Nancy Strickland, 
Eliza C. Brown, 
Abigail Strickland, 
Henry Rich, 
Betsey Taylor, 



Stephen Strickland, 
Howell W.Brown, 
Rachel Treat, 
Juliette Tryon, 
Sally Caswell, 
Louisa Caswell, 
Phllena Caswell, 
Elizabeth Tryon, 
Dolly E. Tucker, 
Freelovc PulsiTer, 
Amelia KInne, 
Amelia H. Hale, 
Louisa Hollister, 
Mary Hollister, 
Catherine Andrus, 
Mabel Miller, 
Betsey A. Hubbard, 
Caroline A. Hubbard, 
Elizabeth BldwcU. 



"Wherefore, it was voted unanimously, that the request of the petitioners 
be granted, and that the Pastor of the Church be authorized to issue the re- 
quisite certificates and letters of dismission. 
" A true copy. 

" Attest, Samuel H. Riddell, 

Clerk of the Church." 



145 

" Letters having been issued in form, an Ecclesiastical Council, consisting 
of Rev. Messrs. Jacob Allen, Harvey Talcott, Samuel H. Riddel and Ben- 
nett F. Northrop, the Church was duly organized at the house of Pardon 
Brown, Dec. 22, 1836, by the name of ' The Congregational Church of 
South Glastenbury.'" 

Rev. Warren G. Jones. " The Church met on the 21st 
of February, 1837, and tendered a call to Rev. Wan-en G. 
Jones to become their pastor, which call being accepted, 
Mr. Jones was installed July 26th, 1837, and dismissed 
August 27th, 1850." Mr. Jones was born at East Had- 
dam November 2d, 1802, graduated at Union College, 1831, 
and pursued his theological studies at Princeton. He went 
from Glastenbury to Harwinton, where he conceived a wider 
and more extended field of usefulness opened for him. 
He published a sermon on the death of Pardon Brown, 
Esq., and also a "correct account" of a discussion had with 
a Mr. Turner, on the Immortalily of the Soul. 

" Rev. Frederick W. Chapman was born at Canfield, 
Trumbull county, Ohio, November 17th, 1806. He fitted for 
college with Elizur Wright, Esq., at Tallmadge, Portage 
county, Ohio, (who was a graduate of Yale, of the class of 
1781.) He graduated at Yale in the class of 1828, was 
then employed a year as teacher of the Academy in Sharon, 
in this State, graduated at Yale Theological Seminary in 
the class of 1832. Having received and accepted a unani- 
mous call from the Congregational Church of Stratford, he 
was ordained and installed their pastor on the 5th of Sep- 
tember, 1832. He received a unanimous call from the 
Church at Deep River, where he removed and was installed 
May 29th, 1839. Having served that Church nearly eleven 
and a half years, he received a unanimous call from the 
Church in South Glastenbury, and was installed pastor of 
said Church, October 24th, 1850, where he now resides. Mr. 
C. has been somewhat extensively engaged in teaching dur- 
ing his ministry, and fitted a large number of young men 
for college, of whom some thirty or more are now in the 

10 



146 

learned professions. He married Emily Hill, eldest daugh- 
ter of Henry Hill of Westbrook, May 6th, 1833." 

THE METHODISTS. 

The earliest Methodist preaching of which we have been 
able to find any account in Glastenbury, was in or about 
1793. No parish, however, was organized until 1796, when 
one was formed in connection with the New London cir- 
cuit, at Eastbury. At the formation of the parish the mem- 
bers were : Jeremiah Stocking, Amasa Hollister, Mrs. A. 
Hollister, Asa Smith and wife. These had all seceded from 
the Congregational Society, to which several others were 
subsequently added, so that, when the Congregational Church 
in Eastbury passed sentence of non-communion against those 
who had withdrawn up to 1809 and 1810, the persons men- 
tioned were : " Mrs. Parsons, Lazarus House and wife, Jere- 
miah Stocking and wife, Eleazer Andrews, David Andrews, 
Elisha House, Joseph Goodale and wife, Gera Goodale, Mrs. 
Sparks, Charles Treat and wife, and Gideon Hollister." But 
though this parish has been in existence many years, and is 
in a prosperous condition, we have been unable to trace its 
early history with that degree of minuteness and accuracy 
which was to be desired. Belonging for a time to the New 
London circuit, then to Tolland, then to Springfield, 1832 
and 1833, and then again to New London, and not having 
had a resident minister until a recent period, the materials of 
its history are much scattered, and many of them seem to 
have been lost We are indebted to the Rev. Samuel Fox, 
of the parish of East Glastenbury, and to the Rev. David 
Bradbury of the parish of South Glastenbury, for such mate- 
rials as the records of the societies or the memories of the 
people might afford, to which we have added all we could 
glean from other sources. A complete copy of the Minutes 
of Conference, which we were so fortunate as to find in Mid- 
dletown, has furnished us with the data given in regard to 
the times when the several clergymen were admitted preach- 
ers, and the Record of Marriages in the town records since 
1820, has aided in determining who came to Glastenbury, 



147 

when it was in the circuit with several other towns; while 
Stevens^ Memorials of Methodism, have added some facts to 
our scanty list. 

EAST GLASTENBURY. 

This parish was formed, as has been already mentioned 
in 1796. Among the preachers on the circuit at that early 
period, the name of Rev. Shadrach Bostwick, admitted 
preacher, 1791; Rev. Lawrence McCombs, admitted preach- 
er, 1792; Rev. Daniel Ostrander, admitted preacher, 1793; 
Rev. Billey Hibbard, admitted preacher, 1798 ; Rev. Timo- 
thy Merrit, tand others, are remembered with affectionate 
regard. At this time the New London circuit embraced 
a region of country which required two hundred and fifty 
miles travel, while the arrangements gave about twenty ap- 
pointments and thirty-two sermons a month. The men placed 
upon these circuits, were generally men of great physical and 
strong mental powers, and aided by a prevailing opposition 
to Calvinism, they swayed the hearts of multitudes and add- 
ed greatly to their numbers. Stevens has given in the second 
series of his Memorials of Methodism, (p. 196,) a marvellous 
account of the results of the first Methodist Camp Meeting in 
New England, from the pen of " Father Stocking," who was 
present on the occasion. 

The first house of public worship built by this parish was 
erected at Wassuc in 1810. In 1847, it was taken down and 
a new house built on the spot where it now stands, and was 
called East Glastenbury, a name by which it is now known 
in all their records and minutes. Between 1820 and 1836, 
we find D. Ripley, L. Bennet, Elder Charles Remington, 
Hector Bronson, J. E. Risley, admitted to preach, 1822; 
Philo Havens, R. Ransom, died 1845 ; Philetus Green ad- 
mitted to preach, 1833, died, 1841 ; J. Shepherd admitted to 
preach, 1833, and J. Leonard, officiating here, but in what 
capacity does not appear. From 1836 to the present time, 
we are able to give a better account. 



148 



Year. Name. 




When Admitted. 


1836, Supplied, probably hj Rev. Mr. Stocking, 




1837, Rev. Elias J. Scott, 


. 


- 1829. 


1838, Thomas W. Gile,* 


. 


1834. 


1839, Lozein Peirce, 


- 


- 1835. 


1840, Azariah B. Wheeler, - 


. 


1840. 


1841, Benjamin M. "Walker, 


. 


- 1834. 


1842, Benjamin M. Walker, - 


- 


1834. 


1843, Chester W. Turner, 


. 


- 1839. 


1844, Edmund A. Standish, - 


. 


1836. 


1845, Supplied, perhaps by Rev. 


Mr. Stocking. 




1846, Lawton Cady, 


- 


- 1842. 


1847, Lyman Leffingwell, 


- 


1839. 


1848, Lyman Leffingwell, 


- 


- 1839. 


1849, Rogers Albiston, 


- 


1843. 


1850, Rogers Albiston, - 


- 


- 1843. 


1851, Charles Morse. 






1852, Samuel Fox, 


. 


1844. 


1853, Samuel Fox, 


- 


- 1844. 



The history of Methodism in Glastenbury, and in the east 
parish in particular, is so identified with the life and labors 
of " Father Stocking," as to render an account of him requis- 
ite in this place. The principal materials of this sketch are 
drawn from the eulogy pronounced at the funeral of Rev. 
Mr. Stocking, by the Rev. Mr. Snow, the Congregational 
minister of Eastbury. 

Rev. Jeremiah Stocking was born at Chatham, Decem- 
ber 8th, 1767. His early education was conducted in the 
common school, and closed when he was nine years old. 
His father being a seafaring man and absent from home 
most of the time, deprived him of paternal training; but 
the faithful instrucion of a pious mother supplied this 
want in a good degree, imbuing his mind with such deep 
and lasting principles of virtue as were never forgotten. 
From the age of nine to thirteen he lived in Haddam, when 
he was put on board a privateer near the close of the Revo- 
lution. On his return he went to a trade, which he pur- 



* Died, 1S4S. From the Minutes of Conference, there seems to have been 
some change made by the Bishop, and that Solomon Cushman, (admitted 
preacher, 183S,) was here part of the year. 



149 

sued until he was twenty-one. In 1790 he married, and the 
year following removed to Glastenbury. His health becom- 
ing infirm, his physician advised him to adopt the business of 
a Post Rider, and in 1799 he commenced carrying newspa- 
pers from Hartford to Saybrook, to which in 1801 was add- 
ed the mail. He continued in this business twenty-five 
years, during which time he travelled 150,000 miles, crossing 
Connecticut river 8,500 times. 

Previous to his marriage and removal to Glastenbury, he 
had been subject to serious impressions which, at length, 
through the influence of ultra Calvinistic doctrines then so 
generally preached, nearly drove him to desperation, and 
which finally led him to adopt that form of Universalism 
known as final restoration. After removing to Glastenbury, 
he joined the church there in that way known as the " half 
way Covenant," and remained with it five years. About 
this time a Methodist preacher visited that part of the town, 
under whose preaching Mr. S. was converted, and at once 
began with ardent zeal the difficult work of converting oth- 
ers. He was soon after admitted to preach by the Metho- 
dists, and though deprived of the benefits of early education, 
his naturally strong, practical common sense, assisted by the 
results of a diligent miscellaneous reading pursued for sev- 
eral years, enabled him to acquire a very considerable reputa- 
tion as a preacher, and rendered him useful to the people 
about him. A church was soon formed and a parish organ- 
ized. The names of the persons who had withdrawn from 
the church in Eastbury and joined the Methodists with him, 
have already been mentioned. Others were soon after add- 
ed, and Mr. S. had the pleasure of seeing one hundred and fifty 
members in his church before his death. In the beginning of 
his ministry, Mr. S. indulged in much severity against those 
of other denominations. But this feeling gave way before 
greater experience and truer Christian principles, so that in 
his latter days he was a man of land and charitable feelings 
toward Christians of every name. He died March, 1853, in 
his eighty-sixth year. The following members of his family 
are, or have been in the ministry : 



150 

Rev. Servilius Stocking, for some time a preacher in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, subsequently became an Epis- 
copalian, receiving Deacon's orders in 1838, and Priest's or- 
ders in 1839. He is supposed to have died with the cholera 
at the South in 1847. 

SoPHRONius H. Stocking is a preacher and a presiding 
Elder in the Methodist church. 

Selah Stocking is also a preacher and a presiding Elder 
among the Methodists. 

Solon Stocking was for several years a local preacher in 
the same denomination, but is at present disabled from min- 
isterial duty. 

Sabura S. Stocking was graduated at the Wesleyan Uni- 
versity, 1835. After preaching among the Methodist for a 
short time, he entered the Episcopal Church, receiving Dea- 
con's orders in 1839 and Priest's in 1840. To these may be 
added : 

Septerius Stocking, a dentist of repute in the city of 
Boston, and also an Episcopalian. 

Sabin Stocking, M. D., a graduate of the Medical Col- 
lege, a skilful and successful physician in his native 

place. He is a Deacon in the Congregational Church in 
Eastbury. 

Before closing the account of the Methodist Society o^ 
East Glastenbury, it should be mentioned that the Rev. 
John Newland Maffitt commenced his ministerial labors 
while residing in this parish. 

SOUTH GLASTENBURY. 

The Methodists of South Glastenbury seem to have re- 
ceived their first impulse from the eastern part of the town — 
probably through the labors and influence of Mr. Stocking. 
At what time they first had preaching, we have been unable 
to learn. The present house of public worship was built in 
1828 ; their services having been previously held in school 
and private houses. The Parish, however, remained in the 
circuit until 1836, so that we are unable to give a complete 
and perfect list of the Preachers, previous to the latter date. 



151 

From 1820 to 1836, we find the following persons performing 
ministerial labor, but in what capacity they officiated, we 
have been unable to ascertain. David Riply, L. Bennett, 
Charles L. Cooley, Elder Charles Remington, V. R. Osborne, 
Hector Bronson, Heman Perry, Ephraim Scott, John E. Ris- 
ley, Jeremiah Stocking, Selah Stocking, Reuben Ransom and 
J. Shepard. A part of these were probably stationed at 
Hoccanum, and hence would be likely to perform marriages 
and burials in Glastenbury; inasmuch as part of their con- 
gregation resided in that town. From 1836 to the present 
time, the following preachers have been stationed at South 
Glastenbury. 

Year. Name. Admitted Preacher. 



1836, 


Eev 


. George May, - - - - 


1836. 


1837, 


" 


Abijah C. Wheat, 


- 1835. 


1838, 


(1 


Abijah C. Wheat, - 


1835. 


1839, 


11 


Henry Tarbush, 


- 1836. 


1840, 


" 


Lorin C. Collins, - 


1838. 


1841, 


" 


Lorin C. Collins, 


- 1838. 


1842, 


(( 


F. BUI. 




1743, 


<' 


Moses Stoddard, - 


1837. 


1844, 


" 


Maurice Leffingwell, - - - 


- 1844. 


1845, 


" 


Erastus Benton, ... 


1833. 


1846, 


" 


Erastus Benton, ... 


- 1833. 


1847, 


" 


Moses Chase, ... - 


1833. 


1848, 


11 


Loren W. Blood, 


- 1839. 


1849, 


u 


Loren W. Blood, - 


1839. 


1850, 


" 


Daniel Dorchester, Jr., 


- 1847. 


1851, 


(( 


Warren Emmerson, - - - 


- 1828. 


1852, 


" 


David Bradbury, 


1837. 


1853, 


(( 


David Bradbury, ... 


- 1837. 



SECOND ADVENTISTS. 



Both of the Methodist Societies in Glastenbury, and that 
in South Glastenbury, in particular, received a heavy blow 
a few years since, by the secession of a body of their mem- 
bers who had become " Millerites," or " Second Advent" peo- 
ple, and who, either before or since, have embraced the doc- 
trine of the soul's mortality and the consequent final annihi- 
lation of the wicked. There is a small body of people pro- 
fessing this faith, in South Glastenbury, which still holds 



152 

occasional services, but, we believe, without any regular 
organization. A public discussion of this doctrine took 
place at South Glastenbury in the winter of 1849 and 1850, 
between Mr. Turner, the Second Advent preacher then sup- 
plying there, and the Rev. Mr. Jones, the Congregational 
minister of the place, which was published — first by Mr. 
Turner, and subsequently by Mr. Jones, in order to correct 
what he conceived to be the unfaithfulness of the first re- 
port. 

BAPTISTS. 

There was a small congregation of Baptists in the south 
part of the town, during the latter part of the last, and the 
beginning of the present century. Though they seemed to 
have had an organized society, we have found no account of 
any settled minister. Tradition, however, informs us, that 
Doct. Solomon Wheat, who was also a Baptist preacher, 
officiated here for a considerable time. The Society has 
now been extinct for many years. 

GENERAL HISTORY. 

Most of the leading incidents of the Town's History, 
which can be perpetuated in a work like the present, have 
already been recorded. The history of our Schools, our 
Commerce and Manufactures, our Mills, and the like, to- 
gether with the account of the several Ecclesiastical Socie- 
ties and their Ministers, since the Revolution, leaves little 
else to be added. Yet there are various miscellaneous mat- 
ters of interest which ought to be noticed, which are mainly 
gathered from the privsite journal referred to under another 
head. 1787, Aug. 14th — a violent whirlwind passed over 
this Town. It arose in Rocky Hill, a little north of the cen- 
ter, where it demolished a house occupied by a Mr. Baldwin, 
killing Mrs. B. and a little child. Passing easterly across the 
river, it intersected the main street a little south of the meet- 
ing-hovise, pursuing its course east and north-east to Bolton 
and Coventry. It unroofed one house, demolished three 



153 

bams, destroyed a large quantity of fence, and overturned 
acres of wood in its course through the town. 

DEATHS AND LONGEVITY. 

The mortality of Glastenbury Society, for several years, 
has been noted in the journal before us, and was copied by 
the writer from the annual Sermons of Mr. Lockwood : this 
gives us the Deaths as follows: — In 1787 they were 18; in 
1788, 22; in 1789, 16; in 1790, 20, or an average of twenty- 
one a year. Again in 1803, the deaths amounted to sixteen. 
In Eastbury, in 1789, they were eighteen. This account does 
not indicate any unusual degree of mortality, nor, indeed, 
does the place seem to have been subject to any visitations 
of this kind. But, though not subject to epidemics or any 
prevailing disorder, the inhabitants do not often arrive at 
any great degree of longevity, in proof of which it may be 
mentioned, that there is not, at the present time, an individ- 
ual in town that has reached the age of ninety. There is 
one disease, however, and that a mental one, which has been 
more than usually prevalent in this Town, and which may 
well employ the minds of its physicians and philosophers ; 
leading, as it has done in a number of instances, to self-de- 
struction. 

FLOODS. 

No season passes without something of a flood on the 
river; but in a few instances these have risen to such height 
as to gain lasting celebrity. Such was that of 1801, since 
known as the "Jefferson flood," and which rose higher than 
any before remembered. Nor has it been equalled by any 
since that time, though those of 1843, and 1852, far exceeded 
those of common years. These floods are almost always in 
the spring; but a few years since, one of great power and 
violence arose in the month of January — and it is only three 
years since we had one in the middle of the summer. 

AISIUSEMENTS. 
There is nothing that goes to show that the amusements 



154 

of the young people in this Town, in former days, differed 
materially from those of other towns. Yet we do not meet 
with the "husking" and "the apple-paring," as we have 
been accustomed to elsewhere. Indeed, the arrangement of 
the farms here seems rather to have precluded the former, 
while custom had not introduced the latter. Dancing, 
however, seems to have been a leading favorite of the young, 
and to have been pursued on all allowable occasions. Thus 
in the journal so often quoted we read 

"1792, June 27. IVIr. Brown ordained — day fine — concourse of people 
large. Ball in the evening — assembly numerous." 

"1796, Aug. 30. Mr. Lockwood installed — audience crowded. * * * 
* * The Overseers of the day exhibited with propriety a Ball in the 
evening — 54 Ladies — 34 Lads." 

This, perhaps, was an improvement upon an earlier prac- 
tice, when large provisions, especially of wines and liquors, 
were made for making glad the hearts of those who partic- 
ipated therein, but which often cost the Parish no small sum. 
The expenses of the early ordinations in Glastenbury have 
not generally been preserved, but in one instance the provi- 
sion for the clergy was over £10, or about $40. 

ANNUAL ELECTIONS. 

How long the practice of having a sermon at Freemen's 
Meeting was continued in Glastenbury, does not appear; 
but in 1793 Mr. Brown preached on such an occasion. This 
Town, as is well known, has been, from an early period, a 
stronghold of "the Democracy." Of the causes which led 
to this, or which have perpetuated the power of that party, 
we can not speak, and we have only alluded to it in order 
to record, as an item of interest, the relative strength of par- 
ties as indicated by the votes polled half a century ago. 

1803, Spring— Democrats, 136; Federalists, 124; total, 260. 
" Fall, " 148 « 96 " 244. 

1804, « 170 " 139 " 309. 
1806, " 127 " 104 " 231. 



155 



SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUSTS. 



Glastenbury has long been a locality of these curious and 
unaccountable creatures. They appeared in 1852 on a piece 
of land belonging to Capt. J. Post, Esq., situated near the 
New London Turnpike, about eight miles from Hartford. 
The same animals were in the same place in 1835, as ap- 
peared from his books ; and in 1835 he obtained satisfactory 
evidence that they had been there in 1818. In the year pre- 
ceding or following one of these, 1818, 1835 and 1852, an 
occasional straggling Locust may sometimes be seen in this 
neighborhood, but none have ever been seen in any of the 
intermediate years. In 1818, 1835 and 1852, they came in 
throngs, covering several acres, but never removing to anoth- 
er place. They were born, lived and died in the same spot. 

Fellow-Citizens: 

In conclusion, permit a word of reflection and review. 
Whoever traces an outline of American history, whether in 
Country, State or Town, and attempts to follow back that 
great current of human freedom which is here setting down 
the stream of time with such majestic power and irresistible 
force ; whoever, we say, attempts to trace this back to the 
rill and the fountain from whence it sprung, will not be able 
to resist the conclusion that the principles which form the 
characteristics of our institutions are of divine origin. If we 
go back to the fountain-head, we shall find the ger7n of these 
•in the Gospel. No such free principles as we now inherit 
ever saw the light of day, except as they beamed through 
the divine oracles. This germ, planted in an obscure cor- 
ner of Jerusalem, by the aid of Divine power worked its way 
through the darkness and gloom of an idolatrous world, up 
to the imperial throne upon the seven hills of the Tiber, 
leaving traces, more or less distinct, of its mission, to the 
governments of the earth. And when Roman civilization 
and Christian institutions were alike subjected to the bar- 
barous Goth, the Divine, reared its head from the ruins of 
Italy to enlighten and to bless the world. Here, in the sun- 



156 

ny cities of South en Europe, grew up a degree of freedom 
which the fears of the feudal lords and the humaner policy of 
the Church, assisted to consolidate and ripen until it became 
strong enough to assert the rights which belonged to it. 
And now the Crusades, though having a widely different 
object in view, became the means of transplanting the same 
principles of freedom to other countries, there to take root, 
grow, and produce abundant fruit. And finally, the quarrels 
of kings and princes were overruled to the good of the com- 
mon people, and were made the means of their participation 
in the natural rights of their humanity. Hence, especially 
in England, rose towns and other municipal corporations — 
those nurseries and safeguards of Liberty, and also that 
common law which has ever since governed all their actions. 
At this juncture, the quarrels of Churchmen and Puritans 
drove the latter from their home, to seek that liberty in this 
Western wild^ which they could not secure in their native 
land. And because they could not bring the State, they 
brought with them the town ; and planting these all over 
the land they created a State with the freedom of the town, 
while the town itself remained the depository and the de- 
fender of those principles which vivified the State. The 
principles thus derived and transmitted, greatly augmented 
and increased by the new impulse given to the Gospel by 
the Reformation, were steadily gaining ground, deepening, 
widening and extending — increasing the number and power 
of the States, when an assault upon them from the British 
throne developed a new aspect of things hitherto unthought» 
of. Men forgot their local interests and sectional jealousies 
and sectarian prejudices in defense of a common cause. 
Puritan Massachusetts and Connecticut, Baptist Rhode Isl- 
and, Episcopal Virginia, Roman Catholic Maryland, Pres- 
byterian New Jersey, New York with its Dutch Reformed, 
Presbyterian and Episcopal, and still other States with still 
other peculiarities, were brought together and consolidated 
into a single people. All these had been established upon 
the great principles of municipal freedom of towns peculiar 
to the English common law. But the development of the 



157 

consequences legitimately involved in these principles had 
been aided, counteracted, or modified by the peculiarities of 
creeds and condition prevailing in the Colonies. It needed 
a seven years' war, a seven years' sense of common danger 
and common hope — a holy sabbatism of divine interposi- 
tion — to wear out and overcome sectional and sectarian bias, 
and to remove the obstructions which ignorance, illiberality, 
or misdirected piety had placed in the way of the develop- 
ment of those free principles which form the characteristic of 
our free institutions. As in nature "the boy is the father 
of the man," so with' us, tlie town is father of the State. It 
is in the history of toivns, therefore, that we are to seek 
alike those principles that guide, and those materials which 
form the history of the State. 

We see, therefore, that these principles of freedom, which 
made us what we are, were of Divine origin; — that they 
were silently and slowly infused into certain walks and 
grades of life in the old world, and that, when sufficiently 
matured and strengthened for the purpose, they were trans- 
planted to this country by men of strong arms, and stronger 
hearts — with power to will and power to do : a noble race of 
men, whom we glory in calling our ancestors. Whether or no 
men agree with all their views and fancies, they can not 
doubt the devotion, the honesty, the resolution, the bravery, 
and the self-sacrificing spirit of our fathers. They felt that 
they had a high and holy mission to the world, and though 
they may have sometimes eiTcd in their mode of declaring 
it, the present condition and prospects of our country are clear 
evidence that they were not mistaken. If, then, there be 
any meaning in history, any teachings in God's providence — 
any lesson for the future to be learned from the experience of 
the past, the duty of the American citizen is among the 
highest and holiest upon earth ; and he who would dismem- 
ber this glorious Union, or resist the peaceable operations of 
its laws, must be blind to the past, careless of the present, 
and heedless of the future. The voice that bid Israel go in 
and possess Canaan might have been more audible, but was 
no more certain than that which bids us be a gi'eat, a free, 



158 

and a happy people. "We have but to listen to that voice, 
to obey its behests, and, in the fear of God, to march on in 
the way He has marked out, to make the town, the State, 
the nation, preeminent above all others — as the name im- 
ports — 

GLASTENBURY FOREVER. 



APPENDIX I. 

OKIGINAL SURVEY OF NAUBUC, WITH SOME GENEALOGI- 
CAL ACCOUNT OF THE FAMILIES POSSESSING 
THE FARMS. 



The land lying on the East side of the Connecticut river, within the bounds 
of what was then Wethersfield, was the first tract of land in the Colony regu- 
larly surveyed, and laid out in farms, — this having been done previous to 
1640. By this survey all the land from Hartford line to the vicinity of 
Roaring brook had been laid out in farms of various widths, each being bound- 
ed by the Great river West, and by the wilderness East, each being three 
miles long. The object of this seems to have been, that every one might 
possess a due proportion of meadow, of ujDland suitable for cultivation, and 
of woodland, furnishing the fuel and timber for all necessary purposes. 

We give below, a comparative view of the farms surveyed at Naubuc, 
about 1639 and 40, — the names of the persons to whom they were set, and the 
width of the same. To this we have added, for the sake of comparison, the 
lots as they stood in 1684, with some occasional lines as they now stand on the 
highway, enabling persons of the present day to ascertain the original loca- 
tion of their farms. A few of the names and quantities towards the northern 
part, are something in doubt as they stand in the first column, having been 
deduced from a comparison of the recorded and unrecorded lots. But the 
principal ones are certain, and the remainder sufficiently accurate to pre- 
vent any material error. 

To this we have added brief genealogies of those families whose descend- 
ants still remain here, so far as we have been able to procure them. There 
are no doubt materials for enlarging this part, indefinitely almost. Our ob- 
ject has been, to show the relation and descent of the householders in Glas- 
tenbury, at the time of the incorporation of the Town and building of the 
Meeting House, with the early settlers of Wethersfield. These householders 
are designated lay being printed in large capitals. Those who have repre- 
sented the Town in the General Assembly, have an asterisk (*) prefixed to 
their names. 



160 



Nauhuc Farms : from Hartford^ South. 
1640. 1684. 1853. 



EODS WIDE. 

1 George Wyllis, 80 Samuel '^yllis 



RODS WIDE. 

174J 



2 John Deming, 



3 Robert Bates, 



4 Richard Gildersleeve, 



26| 
30| 
37i 



5 Joseph Sherman, 



Thurston Rayner, 



Thomas Welles, 



40 Thomas Bunce, 



55 Richard Smith, 



2| Samuel "Welles, 



72i 



Thaddeus Welles. 



14 George Hubbard, 



15 George WyUis, 



16 Robert Rose, 



17 John Gibbs, 



Highway, 



Richard S mith, 
James Wright, 



22 Edward Benton, 



John Hubbard, 



52 Samuel Smith, 



22 William Miller, 



18 Nathaniel Foote, 


32 


19 Mr. Parke, 


17 


20 Abraham Finch, 


10 


21 John Plum, 


34 






22 Jolin Thomson, 


7 


23 John Edwards, 


Si 



10 James Richards, 



John Edwards, 



25 Hebron Turnpit 
"22' 





Mr. WylUs, 


8 


Meeting House. 


10 Rev. Henry Smith, 


40 Samuel Hale, 


32 




,, Samuel Sherman, 
^■^ Richard Gildersleeve, 


44 Capt. Talcott, 


44 


Talcotts. 


12 Samuel Smith, 


22i Wm. Wickham, 


22i 




13 Thomas Uffoot, 


19i William Goodrich, 


19i 





David Hubbard. 



G Highway. 



22 D. Watrous. 



27i 



1640. 



161 

1684. 



1853. 



24 Frances Kilborn, 



18 Johu Kilborn, 



18 Austintolborn, Esq., 15 



25 Thomas Coleman, 



26 Jeffrey Ferris, 



27 John ^Vhitmore, 



15 Coleman, 



Thomas WeUes, 



28 John Robbins, 



22 Eleazer Kimberley, 



22 Misses Smith, 



29 Thomas Wright, 



30 Robert Cooe, 



31 James Boosie, 



32 Leonard Chester, 



7 Jno. Wright, 



Clement Chaplain 



Messrs. Graves, 

Gershom Bulkley, 

John HoUister, 

34 Matthew Mitchel, 150 Robert Rose, ' 

35 John HoUister, (20)? 

Treat Farm, i 

Cr. T. V. 1720. 

36 This width must have been 

computed from the mouth 

of Roaring Brook, South. 

37 Samuel Hale, Jr., 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

Undivided land until 1743 

Thomas Brewer, 

Rev. T. Stevens, 

Middletown. Chatham. 

11 



87J Elijah Miller. 



37i 



37i 



37i 





13! 




,. John HoUister 


13| 




. John Waddams 


13i 




,. Caleb Benjamin, 


13? 


.. Thomas Edwards 


131 




,. Richard Treat, 


13! 






13? 





162 

1. George Wyllis. The first lot on the North was 80 rods wide, con- 
taining 480 acres, and was set out to George Wyllis. Mr. W. came to 
America from Fenny Compton, England, where he left a large estate. He 
was chosen Lieutenant Governor of the colony in 1641, and Governor in 
1642. He died in March, 1644, leaving his property in Naubuc to his son 
Samuel, who added other lots by purchase from Strickling, Morehouse, Sher- 
wood, Talcott, Gibbins, Fletcher, and others, containing in all 567* acres. 
To all this, the General Court in 16 70, added a mile in length, his farm then 
being 174^ rods in width. Samuel W. was born in England, graduated at 
Harvard, 1653, and the next year at the early age of twenty-one, was elected 
an Assistant, and to the same office annually, until 1684. He married Ruth, 
daughter of Gov. Haynes. He died in 1709, leaving several children, among 
whom was Hezekiah, who inherited the property in Naubuc. 

Hezekiah Wyllis married Elizabeth, the daughter of the Rev. Jeremiah 
Hobart, in 1702. He was Secretary of State, from 1711 to 1735. George 
Wvllis, the son of Hezekiah, was graduated at Yale, 1729, married Mary, 
the daughter of the Rev. Timothy Woodbridge of Hartford, and was Secre- 
tary of State from 1735 to 1796, a period of sixty -one years. Gen. Samuel 
Wyllis, son of George Wyllis, was graduated at Yale, 1 758, and was Secre- 
tarv of State, from 1796 to 1809, when Thomas Day was chosen assistant 
Secretary. Some of the descendants of George Wyllis are still resident in 
Glastenbury, bearing other names.* 

2. John Deming. The width of the second lot laid out to John Deming, 
called in the earliest record, Demion, is not specified. It seems, however, to 
have been about 26| rods wide, and to have contained about 160 acres. It 
was subsequently sold to Mr. Wyllis, as mentioned below. Mr. Deming left 
a large family, the descendants of which are still among our citizens.f 

His wife's name is unknown. , The children were — - 

John, b. Sept. 9, 1638, m. Mary , Sept. 20, 1657, d. January 23, 1712. 

Jonathan, b. 1639, m. (1) Sarah , Nov. 11, 1660, (2) E. GUbert, Dec. 25, 

Samuel, b. m. Sarah , Dec. d. 1683. [1673. 

David, b. m. Mary , Aug. 14, 1678. 

Ebenezer, b. m. Sarah , July 16, 1677, d. May 2, 1705. 

Dau. m- Morgan. 

Dau. in- Beckley. 

Dau. m- Hurlburt. 

Dau. [Mercy ?] ., m m. Wright, [Joseph, 1685 ?] 

Dau. ^<Wtf*V. m. JJiii^ Moody. 

(2) John Deming, Jr., known as Serjt. D., and Mary his wife, had, 

John, b. Sept. 9, 1658, m. Mary Graves, June 6, 1684, d. Nov. 25, 1729. 

Joseph, b. June 1, 1661. 

Jonathan, b. Feb. 12, 1663, m. Mary Bucli, Get. 27, 1687. 

Mary, b. Feb. 1,1666. 

Samuel, b. Aug. 25, 1668, m. Sarah , March 29, 1694. 



♦• W. R. I. 63, II. 145; Trumb. C. R. II. 144. Porter's Hist. Not. 23, 24. 
fW. R. I. 131. 



163 

Jacob, b. Aug. 24, 1670, m. Elizabeth Edwards, March 14, 1695. 

Sarah, b. Jan. 17, 1672. 

Hezekiah. 

(2) Jonathan Deming married (1) Sarah , 1660, and had, 

Jonathan, b. Nov. 27, 1661, m. Abigail Filer, Jan. 5, 1709, d. Not. 21, 1727. 

Sarah, b. Aug. 12, 1663, m. Riley. vvv- * > - 

Mary, b. July 11, 1665, m. Joseph Smith, Noy. 26, 1685. 

Comfort, b. June 5, 1668, m. Nathaniel Beekly, May 18, 1693. 

Mrs. D. dying June 5, 1668, he m. (2) Elizabeth, dau. of Josiah Gilbert, 
a resident of Nayaug, from 1651 to 1663, and had, 
• Elizabeth, b. June 12, 1674, m. Richard Beekly. 

Elusse, b. Feb. 16,1675. ' :■■'■'-' ' -' 

Thomas, b. Nov. 27, 1679, m. Mary Williams, June 2, 1698, d. 1741. 

Charles, b. June 10, 1681, m. Anna, dau. Tho. Wickham, Sept. 5, 1706. 

Benjamin, b. July 20, 1684, m. Mary , Feb. 4, 1707. 

Jacob, b. Dec. 20, 1689. 

Mary, b. Oct. 24, 1692. 

Ann, b. Oct. 1, 1695, m. Nathaniel Wright, March 12, 1712. 

(2) David Deming married Mary , 1678, and had, 

David, b. July 20, 1681. 
Samuel, b. Aug. 9, 1683. 
Honor, b. May 9, 1685. 
Mehitable, b. m. Nathaniel Stillman, June, 1743. 

(2) Ebenezer Deming m. Sarah , 1677, and had, 

Ebenezer, b. May 5, 1678, m. Rebecca Treat, Dec. 27, 1704. 

John, b. July 25, 1679. 

Sarah, b. Jan. 9, 1681, m. Joseph Talcott, April 5, 1701. 

Ephraim, b. m. Hannah . 

Josiah, b. 

Prudence, b. m. Thomas Wright, Oct. 4, 1705, d. Oct. 1706. 

Previous to 1668, Samuel Wyllis had become possessed of the three lots 
last described, having purchased them of Strickling, Morehouse, Sherwood, 
Talcott, Gibbins, Foxes and Fletcher, (as the names seem to be,) who had 
probably obtained their title by inheritance. The intermediate title, how- 
ever, cannot be traced, owing to the loss of the Probate records during this 
period. The four lots belonged to Samuel Wyllis at the time of the survey 
of Naubuc — made by order of a General Court in 1684. 

3. Robert Bates. The third lot seems to have been 30i rods wide, and 
to have contained 182 acres. It was laid out to Robert Bates, who removing, 
sold to William Gibbons as early as 1641. The persons bearing this name 
in Town, are probably the descendants of this man.* 

4. Richard Gildersleeve. The fourth lot was 37^ rods wide, and 
containing 225 acres, was laid out to Richard Gildersleeve, and by him sold 
to John Talcott, in 1643. It is described in the deed as " The piece which 
Frog brook runs through." Some of the descendants of this man are still 
resident here, and in the Towns adjacent, especially in Portland. 

5. Joseph Sherman. The fifth lot of land, was set out to Joseph Sher- 
man, who gave it to his son Samuel Sherman, in 1641. As then described, 

♦W. R. I. Gl, 129. 



164 

It contained 144 acres. Mr. Sherman having removed to Stamford, it was 
subsequently sold to Thomas Bunce, and then contained 240 acres. The first 
entry is probably a mistake, as the farm of Thomas Bunce was found to 
contain 240 acres at the general survey in 1684. The Bunces now residing 
in Town are supposed to be the descendants of Thomas Bunce.* 

6. Thurston Rayner. The sixth lot was 55 rods wide, and contained 
330 acres. It was originally set out to Thurston Rayner. Mr. R. removing 
to Stamford in 1641, sold this lot to Richard Treat. Richard Treat, Jr., in 
1660, sold it to James Boswell, who sold it to Richard Smith, in 1664, tg 
whom it belonged at the time of the survey in 1684. Mr. Rayner removing 
early, left no descendants here, but the first Ejiiscopal minister that preached 
in Glastenbury, appears to have been a descendant. Mr. Boswell never re- 
sided here. The descendants of Richard Treat are among the present in- 
habitants of the Town.f 

7. Thomas Welles. This lot in 1684, was 72i rods in width, contain- 
ing 435 acres. It seems to have retained its original width, though not its 
length, without alteration, as it had remained in the same family without 
change. 

Thomas Welles probably came to Hartford from Saybrook, and is re- 
ported by tradition to have been private Secretary to Lord Say and Seal, be- 
fore coming to this country. He was first Treasurer of the Colony, and then 
Secretary from 1640 to 1648 ; Lieut. Governor in 1654, 6, 7 and 9 ; and Gov. 
in 1658. He died January 14th, 1660. He married for his second wife, 
Elizabeth, widow of Na;thaniel Foote, and sister of John Deming, and had, 

Thomas, who settled in Hartford. 

Samuel, to whom the Gov. gave half his farm in Naubnc, and who d. 1675. 
John, who went to Stamford, in 1640, carrying the Weth. records with him. 
Mary, m. (1) Tho. Thompson, (2) Anthony Hart, Farmington. 
Ann, m. 

Sarah, m. John Chester, of Wethersfleld, whose dau. m. Rev. Timothy Stevens. 
(3) Robert, the son of John, inherited the Governor's farm in Wethersfield, covering the ground 
where the State Prison now is, and extending near half a mile further North. 

(3) Thomas, who had one-half the Naubuc farm. 

(4) Gideon was the son of Robert, who had, 

(5J Gideon, M. D. of Canterbury, and Solomon, who married his cousin from Glastenbury. 
^.'(6) Leonard, son of Gideon, m. Robbins, and had, 

(7) Leonard, who had, 
. (8) Gen. Leonard R. Welles, the present Warden of the State Prison. 

(2) Samuel m. Elizabeth, and had, 

Samuel, b. April 13, 1660, d. Aug. 28, 1731. 

Thomas, b. July 29, 1662. 

Sarah, b. Sept. 29, 1664, m. Ephraun Hawley. 

Mary, b. Nov. 23, 1666, m. Samuel Hale, Jr. 

Ann, b. 1668. 

Elizabeth,b. 1670, m. Daniel Shelton, Stratford. 

(3) *SAMUEL WELLES, m. Ruth Rice, and had, 

♦Samuel, b. Dec. 24, 1689, Grad. Yale, 1707, d. May 20, 1770. Samuel Welles, the Parisian 
♦Thomas, b. Feb. 14, 1693, m. Martha Pitkin, d. May 14, 1767. [Banker, was his son 

*W. R. 1,99, 128. tW. R. I. 59, 74, S2, 141. 



165 

Thaddeus, b. March 27, 1695, d. Dec. 22, 1780. 
SUas, b. March 4, 1700, d. Sept. 17, 1754. 

Mrs. Ruth WeUes d. March 31, 1742. 

(4) Thaddeus m. Elizabeth Cole, of East Hartford, and had, 

Samuel, b. 1731, m. Lucy Kilborn. 
Bathsheba, b. m. Jedediah Smith. 

(5) *Samuel m. Lucy Ivilboru, Aug. 1752, and had a large family, among 
whom was, 

(6) «Samuel, b. Oct. 6, 1754, m. Ann Hale, May 2d, 1783, d. Nov., 1834, 
leaving several children, among whom were *Gideon and *Thaddeus, to both 
of whom, we are indebted for interesting particulars in relation to this matter. 

Thomas, of the third generation, had eight children, of whom (4) Jona- 
than, father of the late (5) Jonathan Welles, Esq., was one. (6) Henry T. 
"Welles, Esq., is the most prominent representative of this branch of the ftimily. 
The first mentioned Jonathan married Catharine Saltonstall, daughter of 
Capt. Eoswell S. of Branford, eldest son of Gov. S. The mother of Capt- 
E. S. was Mary Haynes, daughter of John Haynes, and grand-daughter 
of Rev. Joseph Haynes, who was the minister of Wethersfield and Glasten- 
bury, in 1663 and 4, and who was himself the son of Governor Haynes. 
The members of this family have ever been among the most active and ener- 
getic citizens. 

8. . To whom the eighth lot was originally set out, we 

have not been able to ascertain. It was, however, in the possession of James 
Wright, at an early period, who between 1670 and '80, sold 25 rods in 
width, upon the north side, to Kichard Smith, Jr., reserving to himself a lot 
22 rods wide on the south side.* 

9. . To whom this lot was originally set out, is a matter 

of some uncertainty. It appears at one time to have been in the possession 
of Gov. Welles, but had become the property of Edward Benton some 
time previous to 1673, and was in his possession at the time of the general 
survey, 1684. He left, 

(1) Edward Benton, b. 1638, m. Mary , and d. 1698. He had, 

Samuel, b. m. Mary Bradford, 1705. 

Rebecca, b. . 

Mary, b. . 

EUenor, b. 1670, m. Daniel Wright, Aug. 24, 1705, d. 1749. 

Dorothy, b. . 

Edward, b. , m. Mary Hale, 1702, d. 1713. 

Daniel, b. , d. 1682. 

(2) Samuel, b. , m. Mary Bradford, and had, 

Sarah, b. March 19, 1706. 

Hannah, b. July 1, 1710. 

Nathaniel, b. March 8, 1714, d. 1714. 

Jonathan, b. Oct. 23, 1715, m. Hannah Beckly, 1742. 

Nathaniel, b. April 9, 1718, m. Dorothy Cook, Oct. 13, 1745. 

AbigaU, b. Not. 4, 1720. 

* W. R. II. 254. Will, Rich. Smith, proved March 7, 1093. An account of 
this family will be given at lot number 29. 



166 

(2) EDWARD BENTON m. Mary Hale, Oct. 16th, 1702, and had, 

*Josiah, b. June 16, 1705, m. Hannah House, Feb. 6, 1736. 
Ephraim, b. Aug. 19, 1707. 
Mary, b. April 27, 1710. 

10. Rev. Henry Smith. This lot appears to have been originally 40 
rods wide, and to have been set out to the Rev, Henry Smith, the first set- 
tled minister of Wethersfield and Glastenbury. He willed it to his wife in 
1648, desiring her to give it to his son Samuel. Previous to 1668, it had be- 
come the property of Samuel Hale. This lot of land, or another precisely like it, 
belonged to Joseph Parsons, in 1673. At the time of the general survey, in 
1684, 8 rods on the north side belonged to Mr. Wyllis, and the remaining 32 
rods to Samuel Hale. The present House of public worship belonging to 
the First Ecclesiastical Society stands upon this lot.* 

* Samuel Hale came to this Colony at a very early period. He was at 
Hartford, in 1637, and a soldier in the Pequot war, for which he received a 
'' lot in the soldier's field." In 1039, he owned land in Hartford, on the east 
side of the river, but in 1643, he was a resident in Wethersfield. In 1655, 
he resided in Norwalk, but returned to Wethersfield, in 1660, though he did 
not sell all his property there before 1669. While residing in Norwalk, Mr. 
H. represented that Town in the General Court in 1656, 7 and 60. After 
his return to Wethersfield, he hired the Gov. Welles estate of the " Over- 
seers ;" and which, from the testimony in a case of damage for want of re- 
pairs, tried in 1671, appears to have been on the East side of the river. It 
may serve to throw light upon the conveniencies of those days, to mention 
that this house had no stairs leading into the chamber, the second story being 
reached by means of a ladder. His wife's name was Mary. He died Nov. 
9, 1693. His children were. 

Martha, b. 1643. 

*SAMUEL HALE, b. 1645, m. Ruth Edwards, d. Nov. 18, 1711. 

JOHN HALE, b. 1647, m. Hannah , 1668, d. July 19, 1709. 

Mary, b. 1649. 

Rebeckah, b. 1651. 

THOMAS HALE, b. 1653, m. Naomi Kilborn, d. Dec. 23, 1723. 
EBENEZER HALE, b. July 29, 1661. 
Dorothy, b. 

One of the daughters of Samuel Hale, married Caleb Benjamin, who left a dau. Abigail, men- 
tioned in her grand-father's will. She m. Doct. Ebenezer Hills. 

(2) Samuel, Jr., married (1) Ruth, daughter of Thomas Edwards, in 
1679, and had, 

Samuel, b. died unmarried. 

Mary, b. m. John Day of Colchester. t 

Ruth, b Dec. 1, 1681, m. Thomas, son of Eleazer Kimberley. 



*T. C. R. I. 503. W. R. I. 88, II. 154. 

t The question, who Mary Hale married, is left by the Records in no small 
doubt. The following facts seem to prove, that the view taken in the text, is 



167 

Ruth Hale d. Dec. 26, 1682, and Samuel married (2) Mary, dau. of Capt. 
Samuel Welles, and had, 

(3) *Jonathan, b. Aug. 21, 1696, m. Sarah, dau. Deac. Benj. Talcott, Nov. 28, 1717, d. July 

David, b. Jan. 7, 1700, d. March 31, 1718. [2, 1772. 

Joseph, b. July 10, 1702, d. Aug. 4, 1702. 

Benjamin, b. July 22, 1707, m. Hannah, dau. Deac. Benj. Talcott, January 30, 1729. 

Lieut. Samuel Hale, Justice of the Peace, d. Nov. 18, 1711. 
Mrs. Mary Hale, widow of Lt. Samuel Hale, d. Feb. 18, 1715. 

(2) Thomas Hale, son of Samuel Hale, m. Naomi Kilborn, Oct. 30, 16 79, 
and had, 

Naomi, b. Sept. 20, 1680, m. John Gains. 

Mary, b. Nov. 20, 1682, m. Edward Benton, Oct. 16, 1702. 

Thomas, b. Jan. 26, 1684, m. Susannah, dau. Nathaniel Smith, Jan. 11, 1722 

Ruth, b. m. Benjamm HoUister. 

Eunice, b. m. Ebenezer Kilborn. 

Timothy, b. 1692, m. Sarah , d. 1784. 

Most of the Hales of Glastenbury have descended from these two, Samuel 
and Thomas. Descendants of the present generation are, John A. Hale, 
Esq., Chairman of the Com. of Celebration; son (1) of Ebenezer, (2) of 
Gideon, (3) of Benjamin, (4) of Samuel, Jr., and (5) of Samuel, Sen'r. 
Another member of the Committee was Andrew Talcott Hale, son (1) of 
Benjamin, (2) of Benjamin, (3) of Timothy, (4) of Timothy, (5) of Thomas, 
(6) of Samuel, Sen'r. Our thanks are due to both of these gentlemen for 
their kind assistance in this part of our work. 

The Hales are supposed to have come from Wales, and are said to have 
been men of large size, and uncommon strength. An incident has been com- 
municated to us which goes to establish this point. At the time when the 
stoutest man in the Town was called " the bully," a man, " the bully" from 
another Town, who had heard of the feats of Mr. Hale " the bully" of Glas- 
tenbury, came here for the purpose of trying his strength with him. He met 



the true one. By deed dated 1719, G. L. R. II. 143, Thomas Kimberly and 
Ruth Hale his wife, and John Day, and Mary his wife, sell land to Jonathan 
Hale, which they owned in common, and seem to have inherited of their 
father. In G. L. R., V. 8, Jonathan and Benjamin Hale release lands of their 
brother Samuel, to John and Mary Day, and the following, children of Thomas 
Kimberly, Samuel K., Jeremiah and Riuh Goodrich, Jeduthan and Mary 
Smith, Elizabeth K., Daniel and Sarah House, and Anne Kimberley. This 
would seem to indicate that the relationship was to the Kimberleys. On p. 
Vol. v. G. L. R., John and Mary Day, sell land to her brother Samuel Kim- 
berly, which Mary had inherited from her grandfather, Thomas Edwards. 

Amidst this uncertainty all we can be sure of, is, that Mary Hale and Mary 
Day were granddaughters of Thomas Edwards, while Mary Hale was, and 
Mary Day seems to have been sister of Thomas Kimbertey. Samuel Kimber- 
ley may have married a sister of John Day, which M'ould justify all the lan- 
guage. 



168 

Mr. Hale on the road with a load of cider in barrels, and made known his 
business. Mr. Hale consented to the proposition, the trial to be had the next 
day. In the mean time, Mr. Hale asked his challenger to take a drink of 
cider with him ; and knocking out the bung of a barrel, took it in his hands 
by the chine, raised it to his mouth and drank, and offered it to the astonish- 
ed '• bully," who declined that mode of pledging himself. Mr. Hale, there- 
fore, returned the barrel to its place, and drove on. On the morrow, at the 
time appointed, no fight took place, the stranger " bully" not being to be 
found. 

11. Samuel Sherman and Eichard Gildersleeve. This lot of land 
measuring 44 rods in width was originally set out to the gentlemen just named, 
Mr. Gildersleeve's lot lying upon the north side, the respective width of the 
two lots being unknown. Both of these lots were purchased by Mr. John 
Talcott of Hartford, in 1643. Mr. Talcott dying in 1659, bequeathed the 
property to his son Samuel, who dying in 1691, bequeathed it tq his two sons 
Benjamin and Nathaniel, both of whom were landholders in Glastenbury, at 
the time of its incorporation as a Town. Benjamin's share was on the north 
side of the lot and one rod wider than Nathaniel's. From these two, most if 
not all of the Talcotts of Glastenbury, have descended. The land still re- 
mains in the family,* 

Mr. John Talcott came over from England, about the year 1632, and set- 
tled in Newtown, Mass., (now Cambridge.) In 1636, he removed to Hai't- 
ford, and was a member of the General Court, and one of the Magistrates of 
the colony, until his death- He was the son of John Talcott of Braintree, 
England. His mother's name was Skinner. He married Dorothy, daughter 
of Benjamin Smith. His children were : — 

Mary, m. Rev. John Russell, June 28, 1649. 

John, m. (1) Helena Wakeman, 1650, and (2) Mary Cook, 1676. 

Samuel, b. 1635, m. Hannah Holyoke, 1661, d. 1691. 

(2) John Talcott, m. (1) Helena Wakeman of New Haven, and had by 
her — 

John, b. Nov. 24, 1651. 

John, b. Dec. 14,1653, d. July SO, 1683. 

Elizabeth, b. Feb. 21, 1655, m. Joseph Wadsworth, Hartford. 

Samuel, b. Aug. 21,1658, d. April 4, 1681. 

Mary, b. AprU 26, 1661, m. Richard Edwards, Hartford. 

Hannah, b. Dec. 8, 1663, m. Nathan|| Gould. 

Dorothy, b. Feb. 20, 1666, m. Stoughton, Windsor. 

Joseijh, b. Nov. 10, 1669, m. Abigail Clarke, Milford. This man was Gov. Conn. 

Helena, b. Juue 17, 1074, m. Nicholas, Hartford. 

Helena, the wife, dying June 22, 1674, IVIr. T. m. (2) Mary Cook, Nov. 
9, 1676, and had by her — 



W. R. I. 07, 133. II. 22S. S. V. T. 64, 108. 



169 

Ruth, b. Sept. 12, 1677, m. Reed, au eminent Lawyer at Boston. 

Sarah, b. Nov. 16, 1679, , d. Dee. 6, 1679. 

Rachel, b. Feb. 23, 1681, m. Buckley, Fairfield. 

Jonathan, b. 1683, . 

Hezeldah, b. Feb. 24, 1685, m. Parsons, Durham. 

(2) The children of Samuel Talcott and Hannah Holyoke, Tvere — ■ 

Samuel, b. 1663, m. Mary , d. 1698. 

John, died j'oung. 

Hannah, b. 1665, m. John Chester, 1686, d. 1741. 

EUzur, b. July 31, 1669, m. Sarah . 

Joseph, b. Feb. 20, 1671, m. Sarah Deming, 1701, d. 1732. 

*BENJAMIN TALCOTT, b. March 1, 1674, m. Sarah HoUister, 1699, d. 1727. 

Rachel, b. April 2, 1676, m. Peter Bulkley, 1700. 

*NATHANIEL TALCOTT,b. Jan. 28, 1678, m. Elizabeth , 1703, d. 1758. 

(3) The children of Deacon Benjamin Talcott and Sarah Hollister, -were, 

Sarah, b. Oct. 30, 1699, m. Jonathan Hale, 1717, d. 1743. 

Benjamin, b. June 27, 1702, m. 

John, b. Dec. 17, 1704, m. Lucy Sawyer, 1733, d. 1745. 

Hannah, b. Oct. 16, 1706, m. Benjamin Hale, 1729, d. 1796. 

Samuel, b. Feb. 12, 1708, m. Hannah Moseley, 1732, d. 1768. 

*EUzur, b. Dec. 31, 1709, m. Ruth Wright, 1730, d. 17S7. 

Mehitabel, b. July 17, 1713, m. Hezekiah Wright, 1733, d. 1781. 

Abigail, b. Oct. 10, 1715, m. Thomas Hollister, Jr., d. 1715. 
Deacon Benjamin d. Nov. 27, 1727. 

(3) The children of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Talcott, were, 

Elizabeth, b. Oct. 19, 1704. / 

Rachel, b. Oct. 6,1706. '--■ - 

Mary, b. Jan. 19,1709. 
Joshua, b. June 15, 1711. 

The early history of this family has been carefully investigated bj^ mem- 
bers of it now hving ; and especially by Sebastian Vischer Talcott, 
Esq., of Albany, to whose kindness we are indebted for the use of his Family 
Register, and which has been of great service to us, in this and some other 
families. 

Samuel Talcott, son of John Talcott, was graduated at Harvard College, 
1658. George Talcott, b. 1786, grandson of Benjamin Talcott, has been in 
the service of the United States, since 1812. He was brevetted Brigadier 
General, in 1847. 

The house standing on this farm, until taken down in 1850, was the oldest 
house in Town. It was the first house raised in Town, after its incorporation. 
The second was that of Rev. Mr. Stevens ; the third a house at Nayaug ; the 
fourth was a house built by Gideon Hollister, at Wassuc, which is still stand- 
ing, and is in the possession and occupation of Mr. Alonzo Hollister. The 
frame has neither tenon nor mortice, but is half-lapped throughout. It is 
nearly one hundred and fifty years old. 

12. Samuel Smith's lot was 22i rods wide containing 135 acres. It was 
conveyed to William Wickham in 1G60, in whose possession it was at the 



170 

time of the general survey in 1684. Mr. Smith removed to Hadley. The 
descendants of Wm. Wickham are still among the present inhabitants of the 

The account of the Wickham family is deficient in the Wethersfield Rec- 
ords. The families recorded there before 1G90, are those of Thomas, and ■• 
Thomas, Jr., but do not give the fomily of William, the first land holder in 
Glastenbury. The property seems to have descended to WILLIAISI WICK- 
HAM, Jr., who lived in Glastenbury at the time of its incorporation, and 
who distributed it to his children. The following were of the number. 

Elizabeth, m. Thomas Morley, Nov. 9, 1708, and had four sons and two 
dau<^hters. Her father gave her land in 1730. 

Jonathan, to whom land was given in 1714. He gave land to his son 
Hezekiah, in 1749. H. W. was Society Clerk, and Deacon in Eastbury for 

many years. , , , j i 

John, m. Susannah Pellett of Concord, Feb. 20, 1716, and had two daugh- 
ters. Hehadlandgiven tohimin 1717. „ , ,, , • 

William, Jr., m. Abigail Pellett, March 21, 1718. He had land given 
him in 1730. No children are recorded to him in Glastenbury. 

Susannah Wickham, who married Ebenezer Mosely, in 172G, seems to 
have belonged to another branch of the family. She was probably from 
Wethersfield. 

13 Thomas Uffoot. This lot 19 i rods wide containing 117 acres, was 
recorded to Thomas Uffoot in 1641, and by him sold to William Goodrich, m 
1646. It was in the possession of Mr. Goodrich at the time of the survey m 

^^Thl Goodrich family is supposed to have come from Wales. The first 
settler, WUUam, married Sarah Marvin, 1648, and had— 

„ jj b. m- Join HoUister, 1667. 

, , ' b 1653, m. Rebecca Smith, 1678, d. 1684. 

S^ b. 1660, m. Grace , 1680, d. 1737. 

EUzabeth, I'- 1658, m. Robert WeUes, 1675, d. 1698. 

EPHRAIM GOODRICH, b. 1C63, m. Sarah Treat, 1684, d. 1717. 

jjg^^j^ b. 1666, m. Hannah Vt^right, 1688, d. 1755. 
Daughter, name unknown, m. Joseph Butler. 

Mr John Goodrich, probably a brother of William, came to this country 
about the same time. His wife's name was EUzabeth, and they had chil- 
dren — 

John b. 1647, m. Mary Edwards, d. 1676. 
Joseph, 1.1681. 

Jonathan, b. 1665, m. Abagail Crafts, 1691. 

EUzabeth, b. 1645, m. Daniel Rose. 

Mary, b. 1650, m. Thomas Reed. 
Hannah, m- Zacharias Mainard. 



*W. R. I. 125, II. G9. 
fW. R. 1. 52, 125. 



171 

(2) John Goodrlcli, son of William and Sarah Marvin, m. 1G78, had— 

Sarah, b. April 10, 1G97, m. Abraham Kilbom, Oct. 26, 1697 or 9. 

Eebecea, b. Nov. 11, 1680, m. David Wright, Dec. 28, 1699, d. 1703. 

Mary, b. Sept. 2, 1682. 

Samuel, b. May 24, 1684, , d. May 7, 1706. 

Abigail, b. April 27, 1686, m. David Curtis, April 25, 1706. 

John, b. June 9, 1688, m. Mary Tillotson, June 5, 1712. 

Allyn, b. Nov. 13, 1690, m. EUzabeth Goodrich, Dec. 29, 1709. 

Ann, b. Sept. 1, 1692. 

(3) William Goodrich, Jr., m. Grace - ^ '■■ . '</ ^ Nov. 22, 1G80, had, 

WiUiam, b. Aug. 3, 1681, , d. Nov. 6, 1681. 

WilUam, b. July 2, 1686, m. Margaritta Orvis, May 14, 1716, d. 1748. 
Benjamin, b. Sept. 29, 1688, m. Grace Kilbom, March 7, 1716, d. 1742 
Joseph, b. Feb. 29, 1690, m. Mehitable Goodwin, Feb. 23, 1715, d. 1768. 
Isaac, b. Aug. 18, 1693, m. Mary Butler, Nov. 19, 1718, d. 1737. 

Anne, b. Feb. 29, 1697, m. Powel. 

Ephraim, b. Sept. 12, 1699, m. Susanna Hooker, Oct. 6, 1726, d. 1726. 
Ethan, b. June 8, 1702. 

"John and William Goodrich, two orphans, came from South Wales with 
their mother's brother, WiUiam Stillman, about 1644. From these two 
sprung all of the name in America." They first settled in New Haven 
Colony, but subsequently removed to Wethersfield, John, about 1644, and 
William in 1666. Most of the persons bearing the name of Goodrich 
at the time of the Town's incorporation, were the sons of William Goodrich, 
and in the next generation the sons of Ephraim Goodrich, who married Sarah 
Treat the daughter of Richard Treat, in 1684. 

Their children were — 

Richard, b. Feb. 27, 1685, m. Hannah Buckley, 1709. 
William, b. 1701, m. Eachel Savage, 1728, d. 1787. 

David, b. 1706, m. Sarah Edwards, 1729, d. 17^9. 

Ephraim, m. Hannah, d. 1771. 

Thomas. 

By a second wife, (his first having died in 1712,) Jerusha, daughter of 
James Treat, and widow of Thomas Welles, he had — 

Oliver, b. Sept. 14, 1714. 

Gideon, b. m. Sarah, d. 1769. 

Gurdon, b. Dec. 29, 1717. 

Sarah, b. m. Richard Butler. 

Of these last, Richard, William, David, Ephraim and Thomas, were land 
holders in Glastenbury, soon after arriving at the age of 21 years, as also 
Oliver and Gideon at a later period, though these last seem never to have 
resided here. 

14. George Hubbard. This lot 32i rods wide, containing 195 acres, 
was set out to George Hubbard. The lot next south of it 30 rods in width, 
containing 180 acres originally set out to George Wyllis, became the prop- 
erty of John or Jonathan, the son of George Hubbard, previous to the surj 



172 

veyof 1684, when the two lots measured 60 rods, instead of 62J. The road 
leading east from the Town house, is on the south line of the "NVyllis lot. 
Some portion of the farm of George Hubbard, has been in the Hubbard 
family from that time to the present.* 

George Hubbard and his wife Mary, came from England about 1635 or 6, 
and settled at Wethersfield. He removed to Milford, and was admitted to 
the Church there, January 15, 1644. In 1648, he removed to Guilford, and 
was admitted to the Church there, Oct. 6, 1650. His children were — 

John, supposed to be the eldest, who lived at Wethersfield for many years, 
but subsequently went to Hadley. 

George, who removed to Greenwich. 

Daniel of Guilford, baptized at Milford, 1644. He is the progenitor of 
the Guilford Hubbards, and the 7th by the name of Daniel, is now residing 
there. 

William, who is supposed to have removed to Greenwich. 

Mar/, who married Deacon John Fowler of Guilford, about 1648. 

Sarah, who married a Harrison. 

Abigail, baptized at Milford, 1644, married Humphrey Spinning of New 
Jersey. 

Hannah, baptized 1644, who married a Mayless. 

Elizabeth, who married John Norton, late in life. 

The children of John Hubbard of AVethersfield and Hadley, were — 

Maria, b. Jan. 1650. 

John, b. AprD 12, 1655. 
Hannah, b. Dec. 5, 1656. 
Jonathan, b. Jan. 3, 1658. • 

This last name is recorded at Wethersfield. In 1684, the surveyors of the 
Naubuc lots assign the Hubbard lot to Jonathan Hubert, evidently an error 
for Hubbart, a corruption of Hubbard. But in 1690, and at all times on- 
ward dui'ing his life, the lot was the property of John Hubbard, who gave 
half of the " Meeting House Green." His children were, 

(4) John, the 3d of the name, who m. Mary, dan. of Eleazer Kimberly, 
June 17, 1708, and had one son and two daughters. The son, John the 4th, 
m. Martha Hollister, July, 1732, and had seven sons and two daughters. 
John, 2d, gave land to John, 3d, in 1 719, and John, 3d, to John, 4th, in 1 736. 

*David, to whom his father gave land in G., in 1723, and he to his son 
David, in 1760. Also to his son Hezekiah, in 1752, who m. Hannah Olcott, 
Dec. 10, 1752, and had four sons and three daughters. 

Ephraim, to whom his father gave land in G., in 1724, and he to his son 
Eph., inl75G. Also to other sons, Jonathan and Eleazar, the same year. 
He had also a daughter Mary, who m. John, son of Tho. Kimberly, Oct. 24, 
1741. 



W. R. I. C3, 145. 



173 

Isaac, to whom his father gave land in G., 1725, and he to his son Isaac, 
1736. 

Sarah, who married Abraham Hollister, and to whom her father gave 

land in 1752. 

Ephraim Hubbard, above mentioned married, and had — 

(5) Jonathan, m. Sarah Forbes, Nov. 15, 1 753. He d. Jan. 6, 1 786. She 
d. Nov. 23, 1781. They had among others — 

(6) David, b. Sept. 2, 1758, m. Jemima Chamberlain, June 12, 1783. 
They had— 

(7) David, b. Nov. 25, 1785, m. Jerusha Hollister, June 2, 1824. 

The genealogy of the Hon. David E. Hubbard, is (1) David E., (2) Eli- 
zur, (3) Hezekiah, (4) David, (5) John, (0) John, (7) George. 

The members of this family seem generally to have settled their own es- 
tates in their life time, so that the deficiency of the Town Records can not 
be supplied by those of the Court of Probate. 

15. George Wyllis. This lot 30 rods in width, containing 180 acres, 
set out to George Wyllis, was sold to the Hubbards as above mentioned. Of 
the Wyllis family we have already had occasion to speak. 

16. Robert Rose. The lot set out to this man 52 rods in width, contain- 
ing 312 acres, became the property of Samuel Smith previously to the sur- 
vey of 1684. 

When it was proposed to make Glastenbury a Town by itself, John Hub- 
bard and Samuel Smith, " Having a desire to promote the setdement of the 
public worship and ordinances of God, among the inhabitants of Wethers- 
field, that are on the east side of the Great River, and to the intent that the 
said inhabitants may have and enjoy a convenient piece of land for the build- 
ing of their Meeting House upon, and to be improved for a burying place, 
and also for any good and necessary uses that the said inhabitants shall think 
meet to dispose of the same unto ;" for these purposes, Messrs. Plubbard and 
Smith gave 10 acres lying in one body, being taken half from the land of 
Mr. Hubbard, and half from the land of Mr. Smith, to be bounded west by 
the highway or "country road" north by Mr. Hubbard, south by Mr. Smith, 
and east by both, being 20 rods in width, from north to south, and 80 rods in 
length from east to west. It was also stipulated that there should be a public 
highway four rods in width, passing through the centre of the same, Messrs. 
Smith and Hubbard, continuing the highway to the end of the three mile 
lots. The location of the first Meeting House is not mentioned in the Rec- 
ords, but is said by tradition to have been on the Green ; while the Green 
itself is sometimes spoken of in deeds, as the " Meeting House Green." The 
second Meeting House having been located at some distance from the land 
given by Messrs. Smith and Hubbard, their descendants re-enclosed a portion 
of the land which had been given to the pubUc. Mr. Hubbard was the first 
to do this, whereupon the Town appointed a committee to remove his en- 



174 

croacliment, of wbom Mr. Smith was one. Before the next Town meeting, 
however, Mr. Smith had also enclosed a portion of the public land, on which 
account he Avas excused hy the Town from further action on the committee 
aforesaid, and a new committee appointed to proceed against both, to the ex- 
tent of the law. The matter, however, was subsequently compromised to 
the satisfaction of all parties.* 

17. John Gibbs. This lot 22 rods wide, containing 132 acres, was origi- 
nally set out to John Gibbs, who soon after sold it to William Miller, in which 
family it remained for several generations, the last of whom sold what remain- 
ed to them to Mr. Dudley Watrous.f 

18. Nathaniel Foote. This lot 32 rods in width, containing 192 acres, 
was set out to Nathaniel Foote, in 1640. He died in 1644, aged about 51, 
leaving a large family, which in the eighth generation has become exceed- 
ingly numerous, and is widely dilfused throughout the country. His widow 
married Thomas Welles, afterwards Governor of the Colony. The geneal- 
ogy of this fomily has been carefully written by Mr. Nathaniel Goodwin. 
Those who desire information in regard to this family, will find it there in full. 

19. Nathaniel Dickinson. This lot 17 rods wide, containing 100 
acres, was set out to Mr. Dickinson, and sold by him to Mr. Parke, in 1G47. 
In 1650, both Robert the father, and Thomas the son, removed to New Lon- 
don, selling the lot to John Edwards, who sold it to James Richards of Hart- 
ford, previous to the survey of 1684.J 

20. Abraham Finch. This lot 10 rods in width, containing 60 acres, 
was set out to Abraham Finch. It was subsequently sold to Thomas Ed- 
wards, and by him to James Richards, before 1684. Mr. Finch was killed 
by the Indians, in 1637, and the land by mistake was at first recorded to John 
Edwards, who married the widow of Mr. Finch.§ 

21. John Plum. This lot of land 34 rods in width, containing 204 acres, 
was set out to Mr. Plum. It was subsequently sold, and after passing through 
various hands 22 rods in width on the north side became the property of 
James Richards. The other 12 rods in width, passed into the hands of John 
Edwards. 

At the time of the general survey in 1684, James Richards was in posses- 
sion of a farm 93 rods wide, and three miles long, containing 558 acres. 
This farm was composed of 22 rods in width of John Plum's lot, the 10 rods 



*W. R.J. 140. G. L. R. I. 1. 

t "W. R. I. 147. 

iw. R. I. IG, II. 104. Caulk. N. L. G7, 

§W R, I. 104. G. L. R. II. 4. 



175 

of the Finch lot, the 17 rods of Mr. Parke, the 32 rods of Nathaniel Foote, 
and 10 rods in width, from land originally reserved for a highway, the road 
which was 12 rods wide in 1640, having contracted to 2 rods in 1684. Mr. 
Eichards bequeathed this property to his daughter Mary Richards in 1680, 
who by the name of widow Mary Alford, conveyed the same to Joseph 
Maudsley of Westfield, Mass., in 1718. In the final division of common 
lands in the First Society, Abner and Isaac Moseley, (into which the name 
had been changed,) sons of Mr. Joseph Moseley, were regarded as represent- 
ing one householder at the incorporation of the Town. A considerable por- 
tion of this farm remains in the Moseley family, the width of the meadow 
being still 93 rods.* 

The earliest settler of this name in the Colony, came from Mass. to Wind- 
sor, where he married Mary, daughter of Benjamin Newberry, Dec. 14th, 
1664. He lived in Windsor, until about 1677, when he removed to West- 
field. He subsequently returned to Windsor, where he died in 1690. 
His children were — 



Benjamin, 


, b. Oct. 13, 1666, Eec'd in Windsor. 


Margaret, 


■ b. Feb. 4, 1669, " died young. 


Joseph, 


b.Dec. 21,1670, " " 


Mary, 


b. May 1,1673, " " 


Consider, 


b. Nov. 1675, " " 


John, 


b. Aug. 21, 1678. 


Comfort, 


b. Dec. 3, 1680, d. 1711. 


Margaret, 


b. May 22,1683. 


Elizabeth, 


b.Nov. 17,1685. 


Hannah, 


b. d. 1708. 



Joseph Moseley, the purchaser of the Moseley farm, was the third child of 
Capt. John Moseley. He married Abigail Root, in 1696. He resided for a 
time in Westfield, but removed to Glastenbury, in 1715, where he died in 
1719, leaving nine children, viz. — 

Abigail, b. 1697, m. John Lyman, Northampton. 

Abner, b. 1699, m. Elizabeth Lyman, of Northampton, 1722. 

Sarah, b. 1702. 

David, b. 1704. 

Mary, b. 1707, m. Benjamin Lyman, Northampton. 

Hannah, b. 1709, m. Samuel Talcott, 1732. • * 

Isaac, b. 1712, m. Ruth WeUes, 1738. 

Rachel, b. 1715, m. Daniel Pomeroy, Northampton. 

Job. 

22. John Thompson. This lot 7 rods in width, and containing 42 acres, 
originally set out to John Thompson, was sold to Thomas Edwards, some time 
previous to 1667. f 

23. John Edwards. This lot 8\ rods wide, containing 49i acres, was 



•W. R. I. SG. II. 101. G. L. R. 11. 135, 13G. 
tW. R. I. 115. II 111. 



176 

the property of John Edwards, in 1G41, and of Thomas Edwards, in 1667. 
At the time of the general survey in 1684, John Edwards, as the name stands' 
in the survey, though it is probably a mistake for Thomas Edwards, was pos- 
sessed of 27i rods in width, made up of the 8h set out to John Edwards, the 
7 rods set out to John Thompson, and 12 rods on the south side of the lot set 
to John Plum. John Edwards came to Wethersfield, and died there about 
1665. His wife's name was Dorothy, and his children were — 

Thomas, b. 1621, m. d. July 27, 1683, aged 62. 

John, b. Dec, 1633, killed in the Indian war, 1675. 

Esther, b. Mar., 1641. 

Ruth, b. Dec. 1643, m. Samuel Hale, 1679. 

Hannah, b. Jan., 1645. 

Joseph, b. May, 1648, m. Sarah, 1670, d. 1681. 

Lydia, b. July. 

S. V. T. has the birth of John, 1639, Ruth, 1644, and Hannah, 1646, but 
the ages as given in the Probate Record, Vol. HI. seem to require the dates 
as I have them. 

24. Frances Kilborn. This lot originally 18 rods wide, containing 108 
acres, was set to Thomas Kilborn, but he dying before the property was re- 
corded, it was entered in the name of his widow, and has ever since remain- 
ed in the family. The present occupant is Austin Kilborn, Esq., the author 
of various tracts on agriculture, to whose politeness we are indebted for many 
interesting particulars. His children were — 

(2) Margaret, b. 1612, m. Richard Law, of Stamford, grandfather of Gov. Jonathan Law, and 

the ancestor of Judge Richard Law of New London. 
Lydia, b. 1613, m. Robert Haywood, (Howard,) of Windsor. 

Mary, b. 1619, m. John Root of Farmington. 

Frances, b. 1623, m. Thomas Uffoot, or as some read the name Thomas A. Foote. 
John, b. 1625, m. Naomi , 1650, d. 1705, aged 80. 

The first wife of John Kilborn, dying in October, 1659, he married Sarah 
w^'V Zt-i — L-^ who died in 1711. Their children were — 

*JOHN KILBORN, JR., b. 1651, m. Susanna , who died Oct. 3, 1711. He then m. 

EUzabeth Michel, May 12, 1702. He d. Not. 25, 1711. 
Elizabeth K., June 8, 1718. 
Thomas, b. 1653, m. Miss Hills, daughter of AVm. Hills, d. 1712. 

Naomi, b. , m. Thomas Hale, Oct. 30, 1679. 

,' ;>^, -- Ebenezer, b. 16^5, m. Grace Bulkley, daughter of Peter B., 1692, d. 1711. 

Sarah, b. , m. Joseph Crane. 

"George, b. 1668, m. Abigail, daughter of Thomas Atwood, 1689. 

Mary, history unknown. 

Joseph, b. 1672, m. Dorothy, daughter of Deac Sam'l Butler, 1696, d. 1709. 

♦Abraham, b. 1675, m. Sarah, daughter of John Goodrich, 1699, d. 1713.* 

25. Thomas Coleman. This lot, which was 15 rods wide, and contain- 
ed 90 acres, remained in the Coleman family until subsequent to the survey 



W. R. I. 135. Kil. Fam. Mem. 



177 

of 1684. In 1730, it was the j^ropcrty of Thomas Welles, when it was found 
that the Colemans had enclosed 3 rods in width, on the south side of the Kil- 
born lot, whereupon Mr. Welles purchased this strip of Abraham Kilborn, 
who was then in possession of the premises.* 

26. Jeffrey Ferris. This lot, 7h rods wide, containing 45 acres, was 
set out to Jeffrey Ferris, who removed to Stamford. Mr. Ferris sold this lot 
to John Deming, who sold it to Richard Belden, who sold it to John Riley, 
who owned it in 1646, but in 1684, it was the property of Thomas Welles.f 

27. John Wiiitmore. This lot, 9 rods wide, containing 54 acres, was 
set out to John Whitmore, who removed to Stamford, where he was killed by 
the Indians. He sold the property to Richard Treat, in 1641, who sold it to 
Thomas Coleman, in 1647, but in 1684, it was the property of Thomas 
WeUes.t 

28. John Robbins. This lot, 22 rods wide, containing 132 acres, was 
set out to John Robbins, in whose family it remained until 1677, when it 
came into the possession of Eleazer Kimberly, Esq., in right of his wife. 
Mr. K. was the first male child born in New Haven Colony, he was Secretary 
of State, from 1696 to 1709. This property remained in the Kimberly fami- 
ly until after the death of Thomas Kimberly, Esq., the great-grandson of 
Eleazer Kimberly, Esq., who was killed by the blowing up of a powder mill 
in 1777. It was then sold to Jonathan Brace, Esq., who disposed of it to 
Zephaniah HoUister Smith, Esq., in whose family it still remains.§ 

*ELEAZAR KIMBERLY, son of Thomas Kimberly, and Ruth his wife 
had — 

Thomas, b. Sept. 29, 1681, m. Rutli Hale, Feb. 24, 1704. 

Mary, b. Oct. 29, 1683, m. John Hubbard, Jr., June 17, 1708. 

Ruth, b. , d. Nov. 4. 1711. 

Elizabeth, b. . 

*Thomas Kimberly, son of Eleazer K., m. Ruth, daughter of Samuel Hale, 
Jr., as above, and had — 

Eleazar, b. Nov. 10, 1704, d. Aug. 20, 1715. 

*Thomas, b. Jan. 28, 1706. 

*Samuel, b. Feb. 7, 1708. 

Ruth, b. Feb. 20, 1710, m. Jeremiah Goodrich. 

Mary, b. June 8, 1712, m. Jeduthan Smith. 

Elizabeth, b. June 30, 1715. 

Eleazar, b. Oct. 26, 1717, d. May 8, 1718. 

John, b. May 2, 1719, m. Mary Hubbard, Oct. 29, 1741. 

Sarah, b. Oct. 1721, m. Daniel Uou.se. 

Anne, b. May 18,1730. 

Thomas Kimberly, d. Jan. 29, 1730. 

*W. R. I. 90. G. L. R. IV. 5. 
t W. R. I. 105, 50. 
JW. R. I. 121, 54, 90. 
§ W. R. I. 107. M. G. B. 

12 



178 

29. Thomas Weight. This lot, 7 rods in widtli, containing 42 acres, 
remained in the family of Thomas Wright, until subsec^uent to the general 
survey of 1684.* 

The chief estate of Thomas Wright, was on the west side of the river, 
and in the Island called by the Indians, Maxhanxock, or great laughing 
place,] a place of celebrating certain joyous games ; but known as Wright's 
Island, having been in possession of that family for upwards of two centuries. 
When the valley of the Connecticut was settled, the river ran on both sides 
of the Island. As late as 1713, land on the Island was bounded East by the 
river; but in 1726, land in the same place was bounded East by Glastenbury, 
whence we conclude, that when once the eastern channel began to fill up, it 
did so rapidly. In 1759, the bed of the stream was equally divided between 
the proprietors on the two sides. It was formerly much larger than at pres- 



* W. R. I. 155. 

t Tliis name, which has been conimnnicated to us since the delivery of the 
discourse, confirms an etymology which we there proposed with some doubt- 
fulness. The name Manhannock, may possibly be from Munnannock, the 
moon, from the shape of the island at some period, but is more likely to have 
the signification given in the text. Besides the word Mis, which also becomes 
Missi, MiSHAM, and Minni, the Indians also had Maum, which, in composition 
becomes Maun, Maus, and NAUN, also signifying great ; as Mauseek, a great 
basket. R. W. 93, 99, 100, etc. Ahauna, to laugh, he is merry, R. W. 145, and 
TICK, place of, locality. Hence, Maun-haun-nuock, jt^/ace of great merry-making. 

Of these there were two principal kinds ; first, Put-tuck-qua-quonck, or 
arbor playing. " The Arbor, or Playhouse," says Roger Williams, " is made of 
long poles set in the earth, four square, sixteen or twenty feet high, on which 
they hang great store of their stringed money, having great staking, town 
against town, and two chosen out of the rest by course, to play the game at 
this kind of Dice, in the midst of all their abettors, with great shouting and 
solemnity : beside, they have great meetings of football playing, early in Sum- 
mer, town against town, upon some broad sandy shore, free from stones, or 
upon some soft heatliier plot, because of their naked feet, at which they have 
great stakings, but seldom quarrel." P. 146. 

" Their chiefest idol of all sport and game, is (if their land be at peace) to- 
ward harvest, when they set up QuN-NE-KA-aitrCK, which signifies. Long-house, 
sometimes an hundred, sometimes two hundred feet long, upon a plain near the 
Court, (which they call Kit-teic-kau-ick,) where many thousands, men and 
women meet, where he that goes in dances in sight of all the rest ; and is pre- 
pared with money, coats, small breeches, knives, or what he is able to reach to, 
and gives these away to the poor." lb. pp. 146, 147, 

Whoever compares the situation of the land on Manhannock, with that on 
the adjoining shore at Pyquag, will perceive that there is no place in this region 
of country, so well adapted to these Indian games, as those under consideration. 
The concurrence of this fact, with the signifipjuice of the names, proximity of 
the Sachem's Court in Pyquag, renders the conclusion, that Pycjuag and Man- 
hannock, were ^^aces of merry-making, highly probable. 



179 



ent, extending northward to the " great Smith drain." Recently, the river 
has been making some amends for its destruction of land at the North end, 
by forming new land at the South, a process which is now continually going 
on. " The Island" belonged to Wethersfield, until 1 792, when it was annex- 
ed to Glastenbury by a Resolution of the General Assembly, passed in Llay 
of that year. 

Thomas Wright is supposed to have come from England. He was 
here before 1640, as he then owned land on the Island. Pie died 1670. He 
married (1) , (2) Wid. of John Elson, and had — i 



m. Mary, dau. Kich. Butler, Sept. 29, 1650, d. Feb. 13, 1690. 

m. (1) Mary , 1663, (2) Mercy [Deming?] 1685, d. Dec. 17, 1714. 

m. Eliz. dau. Lt. Chittenden, June 16, 1657, d. Aug. 32, 1683. 
m. (1) Mary, (2) Dorcas, 1660, d. 1705. 
Smith. 



Samuel, b. 
Joseph, b. 
Thomas, b. 
James, b. 
Lydia, b. 
Mary, b. 

(2) James Wright, son of Thomas, owned and occupied "the Island" 

though he resided for some time at Middletown. He married INIary , 

who died without children ; and Dorcas by whom he had — 

James, b. 1661, m. Mary, dau. Daniel Eose, July 17, 1690, d. Dec. 24, 1748. 

Jonas, b. , m. Olive , d. May 10, 1709. 

Thomas, b. , m. Elizabeth , d. 1749. 

DANIEL WRIGHT, b. 1674, m. Elanor Benton, Aug. 24, 1705, d. June 8, 1764. 

Lydia, b. , ni. Crane of AVethersfield. 

Hannah, b. , m. John Coleman, April 24, 1685, d. Aug. 1, 1741. 

(3) James, son of James, partly by deed of gift, and partly by purchase 
of his brothers and sister, came into jiossession of nearly all the Island. He 
built the first house erected on the Island, about 1710, and lived in it. He" 
entailed the Island upon the family of his son James. He married Mary, 
daughter of Daniel Rose, July 17, 1C90, d. Dec. 24, 1748, aged 88. His 
wife d. Oct. 20, 1749, aged 80. Their children were— 



Mary, 


b. Nov. 


14, 1691, d. Sept., 1703. 


Elizabeth 


b. Sept. 


1, 1693. 


James, 


b. March 


21, 1695, m. Lois Loomis, Bolton. 


Daniel, 


b. Dec. 


5, 1696, m. Eunice Loomis, Bolton, 1726 


Jacob, 


b. Feb. 


12, 1699. 


Hannah, 


b. June 


29, 1700. 


Hezekiah, 


b. Dec. 


10, 1701, m. Mehitabel Talcott, 1733. 


Abigail, 


b. Sept. 


20, 1704. 


llachel. 


b. Jan. 


21, 1707. 


Mary, 


b. Sept. 


30, 1708. 


Jeremiah 


b. Oct. 


4, 1710. 


Sarah, 


b. Dec. 


13, 1713. 



(4) Hezekiah Wright above mentioned, had (5) Isaac, who had (6) David 
Isaac, and Jared. Isaac settled in Hartford, and had (7) George T. and 
Henry I. Wright, to the last of whom we are indebted for some interesting 
matter. Hezekiah Wright had also (5) Samuel, who had (6) Samuel and 
Leonard, the last of which had (7) Eli, Griswold, and Charles. 



180 

(4) James "Wright the 3cl, married as above, d. 1773, aged 79. His wife 
d. 1780, aged 73. Their children were — 

James, h. , m. Lucy Hale, Feb. 6, 1783, d. Feb. 1794. 

Joseph, b. 
Mar}-, b. 

Lois, b. , m. Elizur IlubbarU, and liad, Leonard, David E., Joseph and Flayel. 

Elizabeth, b. 

(5) James Wright the 4th, married Lucy Hale, as above mentioned, 
and had — 

James, b. Nov. 27, 1783, d. Feb. 27, 1794. 

Joseph, b. Sept. 2, 1785, m. Sarah Lockwood, Nov. 24, 1808. 

Lucy, b. Dec. 3, 1787. 

Wm. W. b. May 30, 1792, d. 1836. 

Mary, b. Oct. 29, 1795. 

The children of Joseph Wright last mentioned, are James L., (grad. Y. 
1832, m. Mary North, (wid.) May 30, 1838,) Cornelia H., Wm. S.,(grad. Y. 
1839,) Harriet N., Joseph A. and Henry M. Pretty full materials have 
been gathered for an account of this family, which has always been a promi- 
nent one, and from which we have derived much of what is given above. 

30. Robert Code. This lot 13 rods wide, and containing 78 acres, set 
to Robert Cooe, in 1641, stands in his name in the survey of 1684.* 

31. James Boosie. This lot, 14 rods wide, and containing 84 acres, 
stands in his name in the Wethersfield records of 1641, and also in the gen- 
eral survey of 1684. We know, however, that the lot was sold to Leonard 
Chester, Oct. 28th, 1643. 

32. Leonard Chester. This lot, 72 rods wide, containing 432 acres, 
remained In the family until after the general survey of 1684, which with the 
84 acres, bought of James Boosie, made a farm of 516 acres. In 1745, Mary 
Chester sold to James Mitchel, 300 acres on the south side of the lot bound- 
ing him north by Thomas Welles, and south by Samuel Hale.f 

Leonard Chester " Armiger," came to this country before 1635. He mar- 
ried Mary , and had, John born at Watertown, Aug. 3, 1635, and died 

Feb. 23, 1688. He married Sarah, daughter of Governor AYelles, and had 
John, b. June 10, 1656. The first wife of the Rev. Timothy Stevens, was 
daughter of this man. 

33. Clement Chaplin. This lot was originally 200 rods wide, contain- 
ing 1200 acres. It remained the property of Mr. Chaplin's descendants un- 
til 1701, and was then owned by Josiah Wolcott, of Salem, Mass., unto whom 



*W. R. T. 110. 

t W. R. 1. 120. G. L. R. IV. 4. 



181 

it had descended. The farm being for sale, Mr. Samuel Hale was desirous of 
purchasing it. Not being -willing to undertake so great an enterprise without 
the advice and concurrence of his minister, he proceeded to consult Mr. 
Stevens in reference to the proposed purchase. Mr. Stevens deeming it an 
excellent bargain on the terms oflered, advised the purchase, only insisting 
that he should be permitted to come in with Mr. Hale and take one-third of 
ft. The lot was purchased ; Mr. Samuel Hale had 800 acres on the north 
side, and Mr. Stevens 400 acres on the south side ; Mr. Hale's north line 
crossing the public road just north of Mr. Osmer Hale's house, and Mr. Ste- 
vens' south line passing nearly in the line of the highway leading east from 
IMr. Samuel Taylor's. 

]\Ir. Samuel Hale bequeathed this lot of land to his son Samuel, together 
with another lot lying further south, and known as one of the fourscore acre 
lots. To his son Jonathan he gave the place on which he lived, and of which 
we have already spoken, together with his wife's portion received from the 
estate of her father, Capt. Samuel Welles. To his son David he gave a farm 
lying between the farms of Thomas Hale and Benjamin Talcott. To his son 
Benjamin, he gave all that lot of land which he bought of the Hon. Gershom 
Bulkley, and to each of them lands in Wethersfield. He also gave to his 
daughter Mary Hale, £15 "country pay" and £5 " lawful money ;" and also 
his daughter Ruth Kimberly, wife of Thomas Kimberly, Esq., the same sum 
of £ 15 "country pay" and £5 "lawful money," also to her son Eleazer, 
" one good cow," and to Thomas and Samuel, also her sons, " two good steers 
or heifers of two years old," one to each of them. 

The lot given to Samuel Hale or a portion of it, has remained in the family 
to the present day, and so has the lot given to Benjamin, and is still bounded 
south by Mr. HoUister, as it was at the time when the will of Mr. Samuel 
Hale was made, 1709. 

34. Matthew Mitchel. This lot, originally 150 rods wide, containing 
900 acres, was set out to Matthew Mitchel, who removed to Stamford, at an 
early period. To whom he sold the land is not certain, but in 1650, it was 
the property of the second Nathaniel Foote, and subsequently of Eobert 
Rose, in whose name it stands in the general survey of 1684. The property, 
however, had long before ceased to belong to Mr. Rose. One-fourth of this 
900 acres lying upon the north side, belonged to Ebenezer and Daniel Graves 
of Spi-ingfield, and Nathaniel Graves of Hatfield, to whom it had descended 
by inheritance, and who conveyed it to "William Miller, in 1703, the property 
being described as lying at Red Hill. The next quarter south, consisting of 
225 acres, was the property of John Beetes (Betts) who sold it to Josiah 
AVillard, in 1662, who sold it to Daniel Rose, by whom it was sold to Thomas 
Brattle, 1668, who disposed of it to the Hon. Gershom Bulkley, sometime 
previous to 1684. 

It was the settlement of the south line of the lot last mentioned, which gave 
rise to the memorable suit of Bulkley and HoUister, which occupied the Gen- 
eral Assembly for two years, and by the direction of which all the lots from 



182 

East Hartford line to the south side of the IMatthew Mitchel lot were re-survey- 
ed by Hon. Eleazer Kimberly and INIr. Hugh Welles. At that time Mr. 
Hollister was in possession of the third quarter of the 900 acres set to Mat- 
thew Mitchell, having purchased an eighth part of the original lot which had 
belonged to Samuel Smith, lying next to Mr. Bulkley's land, and another 
eighth of Eleazer Kimberly. The south quarter of this lot was sold by Rob- 
ert Rose to John Latimer, and was given by Mrs. Ann Latimer to James 
Rose, who sold it to Hugh Welles. Mr. Hollister in addition to the land 
already described, was in possession of a farm lying south and west of the 
Mitchel lot. In the lajing out of the Naubuc farms the language had been 
uniformly, " bounded west by the Great River running three miles east into 
the wilderness," the north and south lines being intended to run in a due east 
course from the river. But in laying out the Mitchel lot, the record describes 
the south line in the following language, " beginning at the mouth of Stur- 
geon River [Roaring Brook,] and to run to a tree near the cowpens in a 
straight east line to the desert." 

The ambiguity of the language just quoted gave rise to a misunderstand- 
ing between Mr. Hollister and the landholders north of him, JSIr. Hollister 
insisting that the south line of the Mitchel lot was to hold a due east course 
from the mouth of Sturgeon River to the desert, the others insisting that it 
should ]Dass up Sturgeon River in a south-easterly direction until the lot was 
150 rods wide, and then pass due east by the cowpens to the wilderness, 
thus making out the 900 acres. Unfortunately, the location of the cowpens 
was unknown, and the committee were left quite in the dark as to the truth 
of the matter. It was found by the survey of 1684, that the distance from 
Hartford line to a line passing due east from the mouth of Sturgeon River, 
was not as great as the original survey required by eighty-five rods and a half. 
To this Mr. IloUister rejoined that the north line of the town had changed, 
that the mouth of Pewter Pot Brook, from which that line started, was con- 
tinually changing ; and that as a consequence all the lots had been pushed 
south as far as the last survey fell short of the first, and consequently that 
they were to obtain their requisite quantity of land by going back to the 
original survey, carrying all the lots north sufficiently to obtain the distance 
required. The Court, however, were not satisfied of the truth of this last 
claim and it was at length decreed by the court that the south line of Mitch- 
el's lot should commence at the mouth of Sturgeon River, running as the 
river runs, to a marked tree standing near where the cowpens were supposed 
to have been, and from thence in a due east line to the wilderness, thus mak- 
ing out the 900 acres. 

35. It appears from the testimony in the foregoing case that INIr. John 
Hollister was in the possession of a farm at Nayaug, lying between the 
Matthew Mitchel lot, the Treat farm, and the river, to which he added 
in l(i55, 10 acres, purchased of the executors of William Gibbons of Hart- 
ford, it being land set out to the Rev. Mr. Denton, in 1G40. On this farm a 
dwelling-house and other necessary buildings had been erected previously to 



183 

1651, at which time Joseph Gilbert became the tenant of Mr. Holllster, and 
remained on the farm until 1663. Within this period, other dwelHng-houses 
were erected at Nayaug. The third quarter of the Mitchel lot which Mr- 
Hollister owned in 1G84, is now in the Hollister family, together with a con- 
siderable portion of the other farm already spoken of. 

(1) John Hollister, the first, of the name was admitted a freeman in 1643. 
His wife's name was Joan (Treat,) who died in 1694. He died in 1C65, 
leaving the following children — 

John, b. 1642, m. Sarah Goodrich, 1667, d. 1711. 

Stephen, b. , m. Abigail , d. 1709. 

Thomas, b. . m. Elizabeth Latimer, d. 1701 . 

Joseph, b. , died unmarried, 1674. 

Lazarus, b. , d. 1709. 

■ Mary, b. . 

Sarah, b. , m. Rev. Hope Atherton, Hatfield, 1674, Timothy Baker, 1678 or 9. 

Mr. Hollister made his will Jan. 1st, 1665. It was presented in Court 
April 3d, of the same year. Mention is made in the will of all his children 
except Stejihen, and legacies given to them. To John he gave the whole of 
his farm at Nayaug. 

(2) John Hollister, Jr., married Sarah, daughter of William Goodrich, Jr., 
in 1667, and had — 

JOHN HOLLISTER, b. 1669, m. Abiia , 1693, d. 1741. 

THOMAS HOLLISTER, b. 1672, m. Dorotha , 1696, d. 1741. 

JOSEPH HOLLISTER, b. 1674, m. Ann , 1694. 

Sarah, b. 1676, m. Benjamin Talcott, 1698, d. 1715. 

Elizabeth, b. 1678, m. Doct. Joseph Steele, 1715. 

.-.-: DAVID HOLLISTER, b. 1681, d. 1753. 

EPHRAIM HOLLISTER, b. 1684, m. EUzabeth Greene, 1707. 

Charles, b. 1686. 

(2) Stephen Hollister, married Abigail, and had — 

Jerusha, b. 1684, d. 1710. 
Stephen, b. 1686, d. 1707. 
Abigail, b. 1688. 
Ann, b. 1690. 
Gershom, b. 1692. 
Gideon, b. 1698. 

Abigail, the wife of Capt. Stephen Hollister, dying, he married Elizabeth 
, and had — 



Nathaniel, b. 1701. 
Daniel, b. 1704. 
Stephen, b. 1709. 



Capt. S. Hollister died at Greenbush, near Albany, of the camp distemper 
Oct., 1709. 

(2) Thomas Hollister, son of John Hollister, Sen., married Elizabeth 
Lattimer, and had — 



184 

Thomas. 

John, d. 1711. 

Joseph. 

Sarah, m. John Williams, 1695, d. 1702. 

Charles, m- Prudence Francis, 1729. 

Dorothy, b. m. Abraham I'ox, January 3, 1717. 

Gideon, who married a Roger Sherman, a cousin, signer of the Declaration of Independence. 

(2) Sarah* HoUIster, m. Rev. Hope Atherton of Hatfield, 1674, by -whom 
she had three cliildren. He died about 1678, and in 1679, she married Lt. 
Timothy Baker of the same place, and had — 

John, b. Feb. 3, 1680, m. Rebecca Clark. 

Thomas, b. May 14, 1682, m. Christine Le Beau, or Otis. 

Edward, b. Nov. 12, 1685. 

Prudence, b. May 14, 1687. 

Deliverance, b. Nov. 13, 1689, d. 1710. 

The descendants of this family are numerous, — widely scattered, and bear 
a great diversity of names. Among these we must not forget to mention that 
of Doct. Avery J. Skilton of Troy, a descendant of Elizabeth, daughter of 
John Hollister, Jr., who married Doct. Steele of Kensington, and had Elijah 
Steele of Watertown, who had Chloe, who married James Skilton, who had 
Doct. Avery J. Skilton, to whose politeness we are indebted for many facts of 
interest. A large number of this family have been educated men, and filled 
the learned professions with honor and credit. A list of the descendants of 
early settlers who have been educated and prominent men, and which we 
had hoped to include in our account, is excluded by its voluminous extent. 

Among the emigrants in this family, was Gideon, son of Thomas who re- 
moved to Stratford, married as above stated, and had Gideon who removed 
to Woodbury, and had a son of the same name, living in the same place, who 
had Gideon of Washington, who had Gideon H. and David F. Hollister, 
both graduates of Yale, and both Lawyers. 

Horace Hollister, son (1) of Joseph, b..Aug. 26, 1752, (2) of Joseph, b. 
Sept. 5, 1732, (3) of Joseph, b. Dec. 28, i^6, (4) of Joseph, b. 1674, and 

(.5) of John , removed to Sharon, 1795, and Salisbury, 1805, where he 

died in 1848, in the 96th year of his age. Joseph the 5th of the name, is a 
Lawyer in Michigan, and his son Byron is also a Lawyer in the same State. 
Richard, brother of Horace, is also a Lawyer, but has relinquished the 
practice, and is resident in the Sandwich Islands. Isaac Treat, 8th son 
in the same family, is a graduate of Pittsfield, and a practitioner of Medi- 
cine in ^Michigan. 

36. South of Mr. IloUister's farm was a large tract of land extending to 
the top of the hill south of Roaring Brook, nearly or quite to the road lead- 
ing east from Mr. Edward Goodrich's, known as the " Treat farm." This 
farm, the exact contents of which we have not been able to ascertain, was 



*Am. Q. R. IX. 272. Gen. Reg. V. 191. 



185 

originally set out to Mr. Treat, and by him given to his son Richard Treat 
in 1668. Some portion of this farm remained in the flmiily until the jjresent 
generation. 

Matthias and James Treat were admitted freemen in Wethersfield, 1G57. 
In 1658, James Treat was enlisted as a trooper, and in 1665, Robert Treat 
was put in nomination as an Assistant. Beside these we have (1) Richard 
Treat, who died in 1G69, leaving a family of children and grand-children. 
His wife's name has not been ascertained. His children, as appears from his 
will, dated 1668, were — O ,- ,\ t rZ f 

(2) Richard, b. 



Robert, 

James, 

[Joanna,] 

Dau. 

Dau. 

Honour, 

Barr. 



went to Milforii. 

m. Rebecca. 

m. [John] HoUister. 

m. Matthew Campfielil. 

in. Johnson. 

m. John Deming. 
m. Robert Webster. 



(3) RICHARD TREAT, son of Richard Treat, m. Sarah, and had— 

Richard, b. 1662, m. Catharine, dau. G. Bulkley, Aug. 20, 1704. 
Sarah, b. 16C4, m. Ephraim Goodrich, May 20, 1684, d. 1712.- 
Mary,' b. 1666, m. Thomas Chester, Dec. 10, 1684, d. 1748. 
Thomas, b. 1668, m. Dorothy, dau. G. Bulkley, July 5, 1693. 

(3) James, son Richard Treat, m. Rebecca , and had— 

James, b. 1666, m. Prudence , d. 1742. 

Jemima, b. 1668, m. Stephen Chester, Jr., d. 1691. 

Samuel, b. 1673, d. 1733. 

Richard, b. , ^1. 1713. 

Joseph, b. , history unknown. 

Jerusha, b. 1678, m. (1) Tho. Welles, (2) Eph. Goodrich, d. 1754. 
Rebecca, b. 1685, m. Ebenezer Demihg, d. 1753. 

Mabel, b. , history unknown. 

Salmon, b. , history unknown. 

_ (3) *THOMAS TREAT, son of Richard Treat, to whom his father gave 
his land on the east side of the river, and who is known in the records, as 
" Thomas Treat at Nayaug," married the daughter of the Rev. and Hon. 
" Garsham hackly" (Bulkley,) July 5, 1693, and had— 

Richard, b. May 14, 1694. 

*CharIes, b. Feb. 28, 1696, m. Sarah Gardner, 1727. 
Thomas, b. May 3, 1699, m. Mary Hopson, Colchester. 
Isaac, b. Aug. 5, 1701, m. Rebecca, dau. Ed. Bulkley, Dec. 10, 1730. 
Dorotheus,b. Aug. 25, 1704, m. AVid. Hannah Benton, Doc. 18, 1754. 
Dorothy, b. Aug. 25, 1704, history unknown. 

Sarah, b Jan. 21, 1707, m. Joseph, son Joseph Tryon, March 13, 1729. 
Mary, b. Jan. 9, 1710, m. Joseph, son Rev. T. Stephens, Jan. 14, 1733. 

Lt. Thomas Treat of Nayaug, one of tho petitioners for tho incorporation of Glastenbury d 
Jan. 17, 1713. 

37. (1) Samuel Hale, Jr. In the year 1660, the Town of Wethers- 
field voted to Samuel Hale, Jr., 80 acres, immediately south of Mr. Treat's 



186 

farm, being 13| rods in width, and three miles in length. It has since 
been known as one of the " fourscore acre lots." 

38. (2) Richard Smith, Jr., had a similar lot adjoining ISIr. Hale, 
granted at the same time. 

39. (3) John Hollister had a similar fourscore acre lot, adjoining 
Mr. Smith, which he purchased of Thomas Hurlburt, to whom it was origi- 
nally granted, in 16G0. 

40. (4) John Waddams had a similar grant made to him 1674. Mr. 
Waddams became a resident of Glastenbury soon after the incorporation of 
the Town, and some of his descendants, though not bearing his name, are still 
resident here. 

■John Waddams, son of the above, m. Charity Dickinson, and had — 

John, b. April 25, 1726. 

Charity, b. Aug. 1, 1729, m. Chas. Hollister, Jr., Sept. 17, 1749. 

Enos, b. Dec. 18, 1731. 

Sarah, b. Nov. 9, 1734. 

Daniel, b. May 20,1737. 

41. (5) Caleb Benjamin, who received a similar grant in 1G74, was 
never a resident of the Town. He died in 1684, leaving, 

Mary, b. 1671, m. Benjamin Dibble. 
Abigail, b. 1673, m. Ebenezer Hills. 
Sarah, b. 1676. 
John, b. 1678. 
Samuel, b. 1679. 
Martha, b. 1681. 

Caleb, b. 1683, d. 1700, before which time John and Samuel seem to have died also, his es- 
tate being set to his sisters. 

42. (6) Thomas Edwards, of whom we have already spoken, re- 
ceived a similar grant at the same time. It descended to his grand-daughter, 
Mary Hale, by whom it was sold to Samuel Kimbcrley. 

43. (7) Richard Treat is also described as having a similar lot ad- 
joining that of Mr. Edwards. 

44. (8) Thomas Loveland. The last of the fourscore acre lots was 
granted to THOMAS LOVELAND in 1674, and when recorded, is de- 
scribed as being " bounded south by undivided land." Thomas Loveland 
Ead two sons — 

1. John, b. , m. Kezia Williams, June 16, 1708, and had — 



His son Thomas m. Mary, dau. Joseph 
[White, Nov. 26, 1747. 



Kezia, 


b. Sept. 18, 1709. 


John, 


b. Dec. 21, 1710. 


Hannah, 


b. June 14,1712. 


Thomas, 


b. AprU 2, 1714, m. Eunice House. 


Mary, 


b. Dec. 2, 1715. 


Abijah, 


b. May 2, 1718. 


Dorothy, 


b. Nov. — , 1719. 



187 



Susanna, b. July — , 1722. 

Jonathan, b. April — , 1721. 

David, b. Feb. — , 1727. 

Martha, b. May 20, 1729. 

Rachel, b. Aug. 17, 1731. 



2. Robert, b. 



Ruth Glllam, Aug. 19, 1697, and had- 



John, b. May 23, 1698, d. Aug. 15, 1701. 

Ruth, b. July 30,1702. 

Lot, b. Jlay 13, 1703. 

Robert, b. Dec. 9, 170.5, m. Dinah Andrews, May 2, 1728. 

Hannah, b. Dec. 27, 1707. 



m. William House, Dec. 1, 1709, and bad- 



3. Hannab, b. 

Hannah, b. July 19, 1711. 
William, b. Sept. 9, 1713. 
Benoni, b. Sept. 20, 1715. 

4. Mary, b. , m. Thomas Dickinson, June 1, 1693, and bad— 

y 4, 1694. 
ril, 1698. 

m. John Waddams, about 1724. 



Joseph, 


b. May 


4, 1694. 


Thomas 


b. April, 


1698. 


Charity, 


b. April, 


1699, 


Joshua, 


b. March, 


1701. 


Phebe, 


b.Nov. 


1702. 


Mary, 


b. Aug. 


1704. 


David, 


b. Dec. 


1705. 


Deborah 


b. July, 


1708. 



Tbe wbole tract of country lying between tbese " fourscore acre lots," 
and tbe Town of Middletown on tbe south, remained in common and undivi- 
ded until 1743, with the exception of 150 acres, set out to tbe Eev. Mr. Ste- 
vens, and a small farm given to Arthur Bevin. 



APPENDIX II. 

FAMILIES RESIDING IN GLASTENBURY WHEN THE FIRST 

MEETING HOUSE WAS BUILT, (1693 ;) WITH A SHORT 

GENEALOGICAL ACCOUNT OF THE SAME. 



Benton Edward. See Lot No. 9, Naubuc Farms. 

BiDAVELL, Joseph, -was the son of John Bidwell, of Hartford, to whom 
the grant for a saw mill in Eastbury, was made in 1669. He married Mary 
, May 18, 1675, and had — 

Mary, b. March 12, 1676. 

Amey, b. Oct. 1, 1678. 

Joseph, b. Jan. 20, 1680. 

Benjamin, b. Sept. 26, 1684. 

Ephraim, b. Aug. 16, 1686, m. Eliz. Lewis, Wailingford, Nov. 3, 1713. 

Lydia, b. May 13, 1689. 



Yju/v^ 



Brewer, Thomas, came from Middletown. He married Sarah 
of Glasteubury, January 13, 1682, and had— 

Mary, b. Jan. 28, 1685. 

Thomas, b. Feb. 17, 1687, m. Martha Goodale, (Mid.) May 4, 1710. 

Hezekiah, b. Feb. 23, 1690, m. Eunice , 1757. 

Sarah, b. Dec. 9, 1692, m. Ebenezer Goodale, (Mid.) March 15, 1717. 

Joseph, b. March 20, 1695, m. Dinah Smith, May 29, 1727. 

Benjamin, b. Aug. 13, 1697. 

Daniel, b. March 25, 1699, m. Elanor Goodrich, (Mid.) 1719. 

Lydia, b. July 27,1701. 

" Nome," b. Sept. 28, 1703. 

" Elexsander," b. Oct. 5, 1706. 

Brooks, Samuel, received a grant of common land from the Town of 
Glastenbury, in 1G92. He married Sarah , and had — 

Sarah, b. Jan. 8, 1693. 

John, b. March 8, 1695. 

Samuel, b. May 27, 1697, m. Mary , and had ten children. 

Mary, b. Feb. 6, 1699. 

Timothy, b. Oct. 28, 1701. 

"Ledda," b. May 23,1704. 



189 

Hannah, b. Sept. 29, 1706. 
Abigail, b. May 4, 1708. 
EUzabeth, b. Jan. 24, 1711. 

Colt, Abraham, received a grant from the public lands of Glastenburj', 
in 1692. He married Hannah Loomis of Windsor, Jan. 1, 1G90, and had— r- 

Abraham, b. May 21, 1692, m. Susannah Risley, Hartford, Dec. ID, 1713. 
Mary, b. Jan. 17, 1696, m. William Hale. 
Isaac, b. Sept. 15, 1702, d. June 17, 1703. 

Isaac, b. . 

Dau. m. Joseph White. 

Fox, EiCHARD, the first of the name in Glastenbury, was born in 1641, 
died March li), 1708, aged 67. He married Beriah, daughter of Richard 
Smith, of Wethersfield, and had — 

Mary, b. 1677, m. Henry Goslin, Feb. 25, 1695. ' 

Sarah, b. 1678, m. Ebenezer Kilbom, June 1, 1698. 

Kichard, b. 1679, m. (1) Lydia, dau. John Colt, Windsor, March, 1705, (2) Mary, 

dau. Wm. Smith of Wethersfield, March 2, 1714. 

Eunice, b. 1683, m. John House, May 8, 1703. 

EUzabeth, b. 1685. • 

John, b. 1688, m. Susannah, dau. Henry White, Deerfield, Dec. 15, 1709. 

Ebenezer, b. 1690, m. Elizabeth, dau. Henry Arnold, Jan. 27, 1714, d. Feb. 20, 1746. 

Abraham, b. 1692, m. Dorothy, dau. Thomas Hollister, Jan. 3, 1717. 

Dorothy, b. 1693, m. Samuel Price, April 7, 1714. [1733. 

Joseph, b. Aug. 7, 1695, m. Esther, dau. Joseph Sparks, Hartford, Dec. 6, 1717, d. May 2, 

Benoni Fox, Jr., who married Experience , 1712, and had eight 

children, was not a descendant of Richard Fox. Whether he belonged to 
the same family, we have not ascertained. 

Gaines, Samuel, has no record of his family in Glastenbury, but his 
son Samuel Gaines, Jr., m. Thankful Morley, July 4, 1720, and had — 

Thankful, b. April 19, 1721. 
Samuel, b. Oct. 14,1723. 

There was also a John Gains, who married Naomi, daughter of Thomas 
Hale, and whose children appear to have been, David, Nathaniel, John, and 
Eunice. 

Goodrich, Ephraim. See No. 13, Nauhuc Farms. 

Gosling, Goslin, Gosley, Goslee, Henry. The man whose name 
appears in the Town Records, in all these various forms, received a grant 
from the public lands of Glastenbury, in 1692. It is not known from whence 
he came. He is supposed to be the first of the name in this i-egion, unless 
the name be a variation of Josling, JosUn, or Jocelyn, of whicli there is no 
proof, and yet, which circumstances seem to render somewhat probable. He 
married Mary Fox, Feb. 25, 1695, and had — 

Mary, b. Oct. 1, 1695, m. James Hubbard. 

Thomas, b. April 25, 1697, d. June 4, 1725. 



190 

Beriah, (dau.) b. Oct. 8, 1698. 

Bethyah, b. Aug. 31, 1700, m. Webb. 

William, b. Oct. 14, 1701, died young. 

"Hennery," b. Aug. 9. 1703, d. July 23, 1712. 

Elizabeth, b. Nov. 6,1711. 

Henry, b. July 26, 1713, m. , dau. John Neville, d. about 1745. 

Timothy, b. May 17, 1718, m. Rebecca, dau. David Hollister, Oct. 19, 1743. 

Henry Goslee, Sen., d. April 19, 1724. 

Hale, Benjamin. See No. 10, Naubuc Farms. 

Hale, John, Jr. Grandson of Samuel Hale, Senior, married Mary 
■ , and had — 



Mary, b. Nov. 10, 1697. 

John, b. March 10,1700. 

Samuel, b. Feb. 27, 1701, m. Sarah, dau. Joseph Smith, Feb. 14, 1729. 

Anne, b. May SO, 1705. 

Benoni, b. Jan. 23, 1706. 

AbigaU, b. Dec. 20, 1708. 

Thankful, b. Feb. 26, 1710. 

Hannah, b. Oct. 27, 1712. 

Sarah, b. Aug. 5, 1714. 

Hale, Jonathan. See No. 10, Naubuc Farms. 
Hale, Samuel. See No. 10, Naubuc Farms. 
Hale, Thomas. See No. 10, Naubuc Farms. 

Hill, Hills, Joseph. The Hills of Glastenbury are suj^posed to be the 
descendants of " William Hill of Hoccanum." The family record of Joseph 
HiU is not in Glastenbury, but Joseph Hill, Jr^ married Elizabeth, dau. 
of William Tryon of Wethersfield, June 10, 1708, and bad- 
Dudley, b. March 10, 1710, d. Jan. 6, 1711. 
Elizabeth, b. Jan. 5, 1713. 

Hannah, b. June 24, 1716, m. Elisha Loveland, Jan. 19, 1737. 
Joseph, b. Aug. 19, 1719. 
Susannah, b. April 18, 1722. 
Benjamin, b. Feb. 18, 1725, m. Martha Deming, Dec. 26, 1747. 

Hollister, David. See No. 35, Naubuc Fat-ms. 

Hollister, Ephraim, m. Elizabeth, dau. Tobias Green, April 1, 1707, 
and had — 

Ephraim, b. Jan. 1, 1708, d. Jan. 5, 1708. 
. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 23, 1709. 

See also No. 35. 

Hollister, John, m. Abiah , of Wethersfield, 1693, and liad— 

Benjamin, b. Feb. 5,1694. 
Jeremiah, b. Oct. 21, 1696. 
Sarah, b. Jan. 6, 1698. 



191 

Abigail, b. Aug. 11, 1701, d. Nov. 17, 1712. 

Abraham, b. May 5, 1705, in. Sarah, dau. John Hubbard. 

Prudence, b. March 3, 1707. 

Mehitable, b. Feb. 4, 1709. 

Martha, b. March 20, 1712. 

Abigail, b. Jan. 26, 1714. 

Elizabeth, b. Dec. 5, 1715, m. Doct. Joseph Steele of Kensington, 

See also No. 35. 

HoLLisTER, Joseph. See No. 35, Naubuc Farms. 

HoLLisTER, Joseph, Jk., m. Ann , Nov. 27, 1694, and had- 



Dec. 28, 1696, m. Mary, dau. Joseph White, (Mid.) Dec. 28, 1721. 
William, b. July, 8, 1699. 

Mary, b. Aug. 25, 1704, m. Joseph Shelton, Hartford. 
Ann, b. Jan. 16, 1707, m. Ebenezer White, Middletown. 

Esther, b. Aug. 28, 1709, m. Thaddeus Shelton, Hartford. 

HOLLISTER, Thomas, m. Dorotlie, dau. Joseph Hill, 1690, and 

had — 

Josiah, b. June 7, 1696, m. Martha, dau. Wm. Miller, Jan. 28, 1718. 

Dorothy, b. Oct. 17, 1697, m. Abraham Fox, Jan. 3, 1717. 

- Gideon, b. Sept. 23, 1699. 

Charles, b. July 26, 1701, m. Prudence, dau. John Francis, April 5, 1729. 

Elizabeth, b. Dec. 17, 1703, m. WiUiam Miller, Oct. 14, 1731. 

Hannah, b. Dec. 26, 1705, d. Oct., 1712. 

Thomas, b. Jan. 13, 1707. 

Buth, b. Oct. 13, 1710, m. Nehemiah Smith: 

Baohel, b. July 27, 1712, m. Joshua Talcott. 
b. Feb. 16, 1714, m. Wm. House. 



House, William, one of the householders in Glastenbury , in 1693, 
seems to have been William House, Sen., and to have left several children, 
among -whom were — 

John, m. Eunice Fox, May 8, 1703. 

William, m. Hannah Loveland, Dec. 1, 1709. His dau. Hannah, m. Josiah Benton, Feb. 5, 

1736. He had two sons at least, WiUiam and Benoni. 
Joseph, m. (1) Hannah Porter, Dec. 25,1712, d. July, 17,1716. (2) Kachel Pitkin, Oct. 7, 1718. 
Eunice, m. Thom;is Loveland, and perhaps, 
Sarah, who married Joseph Smith, Jan. 2, 1696. 

HuBBAUD, John. See No. 14, Naubuc Farms. 

KiLBOKN, John. See No. 24, Naubuc Farms. 

KiMBERLEY, Eleazer. Sce No. 28, Naubuc Farms. 

Miller, William. In lOCO, Samuel Miller bought land on this side of 
the river, but whether he ever lived here himself, does not appear. In 1693, 
William Miller was resident here, but his name is by mistake printed Samuel, 
on page 51st, line 26th from the top, and on page 82d, hue 4th from the 



192 

bottom. But on page 64, line 14tli from the bottom, it is correctly printed 
Willia7n. William had a brother John, but neither of them seem to have 
been permanent residents here, nntil sometime later, as he was not a tax 
payer in 1713. 

William Miller, son of William Miller, a tax payer in 1 723, m. Susan- 
nah, dau. of Thomas Kilborn of Hartford, Sept., 1720, and had — 

Susannah, b. Sept. 28, 1721. 

Mary, b. Aug. 16,1723. 

William, b. Aug. 24, 1725, died young. 

Mabel, b. July 17, 1728. 

Martha, b. March 2, 1731, died the next day. 

Mrs. S. Miller d. 16, 1731, and W. M. m. Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Hol- 
lister, Oct. 14, 1731, and had — 



Martha, 


b. July 7, 1732, died. 


William, 


b. July 6, 1733. 


Elizabeth, 


b. Jan. 26,1734. 


Martha, 


b. Feb. 13, 1737. 


Sarah, 


b. March 26, 1738. 


Benjamin, 


b.May 21,1740. 


Patience, 


b. Jan. 31,1743. 



The next generation does not seem to be recorded, but in the 2d, we find 
this record. 

"Elljah Miller, son of Capt. William Miller, b. July 6, 1768, married 
Mabel Hale, daughter of Deacon David Hale, Dec. 22, 1802." This would 
seem to connect Elijah with William, the householder of 1693. But another 
record in immediate connection shows this to be a mistake. 

" Capt. William Miller, son of John Miller, married Elizabeth, dau. John 
Loveland of Wethersfield, and had — 

Elijah, b. July 6, 1768, [m. Mabel Hale.] 
Lucy, b. Oct. 16, 1769, d. July 18, 1770." 

This John Miller, father of William, was no doubt the tax payer of 1757, 
and was brother of William, who married a HoUister, as above. These are 
all descendants from William of 1693, as for example (1) William, (2) John, 
(3) William, (4) Elijah, (5) Col. Elijah of the present time. 

Loveland, Thomas, ^e No. 44, Naubuc Farms. 

Smith, Benjamin. ^ These three men were brothers, unless Samuel 
Smith, Joseph. > may be an exception. Richard Smith of Wethers- 
Smith, Samuel. ) field, whose will, dated 1680, was proved in 1698, 
was the son of Richard. Richard, Jr., had the following children, and per- 
haps others. All these are mentioned in his will, except Benjamin. Samuel, 
Joscpli, Benjamin, Hester, who married a Strickland, and Beriah, who mar- 
ried Richard Fox, Sen. Joseph died without children, giving his property 
to his brothers Samuel and Benjamin, and B's sons. 

Samuel Smith married Jane Tudor of Windsor, Oct. 28, 1680, and had— 



193 

Jane, b. Sept. 18, 1681, d. Jan. 24, 1682. 

Mary, b. Jan. 18, 1682. 

Richard, b. May 18, 1685, d. Jan. 29, 1686. 

Richard, b. July 22, 1687, d. July 19, 1701. 

Rachel, b. March 14, 1690. 

Samuel, b. Feb. 20, 1692. 

Joseph, b. July 31, 1695. 

Dinali, b. Oct. 28, 1697, m. Joseph Brewer, May 29, 1727. 

Who Benjamin Smith married, we have not learned, but his son Richard . 
married Abigail Clark, Nov. 25, 1730, whose son Isaac, b. Dec. 16, 1735, m. 
Ruth HoUiriter, and had Zephaniah Hollister Smith, b. Aug. 21, 1759, the 
father of the Misses Smiith who now own the Eleazer Kimberley place. 

*Smith, Jonathan, has no record of his family in Glastenbury, but he 
had a son Gershom, to whom he gave land in 1710, who was a tax payer in 
1713, an# who m. Hannah, dau. Benj. Judd, Farmington, May 4, 1710. He 
had— 

Hannah, b. June 24, 1711. 

Gershom, b. AprU 5, 1714, d. Dec. 17, 1728. 

Also, a son Joseph to whom he gave land in 171 1. 

Streen, Stearne, Patrick, was one of the petitioners for the incor- 
poration of the Town. He married Hannah Niel, April 4, 1687, and had — 

Elizabeth, b. April 27, 1687. Thankful, b. April 30, 1699. 

Abigail, b. July 5, 1691. Sarah, b. July 20, 1701. 

Hannah, b. April 16, 1693. Deborah, b. Jan. 13, 1704. 

Ebenezer, b. Jan. 20, 1695. Mary, b. June 7, 1707. 

Daniel, b. Jan. 2, 1697. Martha, b. May 14, 1709. 
Patrick Streen d. Feb , 1732. 

Strickland, John. The first Strickland of whom we find any record 
here, Is Thwail Strickland, whose estate was settled in 1670, and who left — 

Elizabeth, b. March 31, 1647, m. Andrews. 

John, b. Feb. 14, 1648. 
Joseph, b. Feb. 1654. 

Jane, b. June, 1657. 

Ephraim, b. Feb. 2, 1662. 

Who John married, we have not discovered, but of his children, 

John, Jr., m. Elizabeth Dickens, March 8, 1705. 

Samuel, m. Sarah Tryon, Dec. 4, 1717. 

Benjamin, probably a son of the same, m. Elizabeth Loveland, Dec. 2, 1708. 

, Welles, Samuel. See No. 7, Nauhuc Farms. 

WiCKHAM, William. See No. 12, Nauhuc Farms. 

Talcott, Ben.jamin. See No. 11, Nauhuc Farms. 

Talcott, Nathaniel. See No. 11, Nauhuc Farms. 
13 



194 

Treat, Richard, Jr. See No. 36, Nauhuc Farms. 

Trian, Trion, Tryon, Joseph. This man, who is known In the his- 
tory of the Town as Doct. Jose£h__Tryon, appears to have been in Glasten- 
bury in 1C93, though it is not certain that he became a landholder until 1694, 
when he received a grant from the public lands of the Town. His wife's 
name was Lydia, and they had — 

Mary, b. Oct. 5, 1695, m. Benjamin Abbey, Jan. 24, 1716. 

Lydia, b. July 13, 1697. 

Rachel, b. Oct. 29,1699. 

Joseph, b. May 3, 1702, m. Sarah Treat, March 13, 1729. 

Agnes, b. Aug. 14, 1712, d. Sept. 22, 1712. 

Beside these, there seems to have been Benjamin, to whom his father deed- 
ed land in 1737. There was also another family which probably came from 
Wethersfield, of which we only know that the father's name was I^vid, and 
that he had three sons, David, Noah, and Ezra, to whom he gave land in 
1729. 

Wright, Daniel, See No. 29, Nauhuc Farms. 

Nathaniel Foote, and Nathaniel Foote, Jr., were both of them 
among the earliest landholders of the place, and their descendants under 
various names have ever continued to be so, and hence should be mentioned. 
Nathaniel, Sen., owned lot No. 18, in 1640, containing 192 acres. In 1650, 
Nathaniel, Jr., owned the Matthew Mitchel lot. No. 34, containing 900 acres. 
A few years after, this man, or another member of the family bearing the 
same name, purchased the Town of Colchester of the Indians. 

Nathaniel Foote, m. Elizabeth Deming in 1615, and had — 

Nathaniel, b. 1620, m. Eliz. , died in 1665. 

Robert, b. 1627, m. Sarah , 1659, d. 1681, lived in New Ilaven and Branford. 

Elizabeth, b. 1616, m. Josiah Churchill. She d. Sept., 1700. 

Mary, b. 1G23, m. (1) John Stoddard, 1642. He died 1644. (2) John Goodrich, 1674. He 

died 1680. (3) Thomas Tracy, Norwich. He died 1685. 
^ Frances, b. 1629, m. (1) John Dickinson, of W. and then Uadley, (2) Francis Barnard, Hart- 
ford and Hadley. 

Sarah, b. 1632, m. Jeremiah Judson, Stratford. She died 1673. [Northampton. 

Kcbecca, b. 1034, m. (1) Philip Smith of W. and Hadley, (2) llaron Cook of Windsor and 



APPENDIX III. 

NEW FAMILIES ADDED FROM 1693 TO 1713. 



Andrews, Stephen, came from " Poke Hill" ferry near " "Wethersfield 
folly," between 1693 and 1713. There is no record of his family in Glasten- 
bury, but he is said to have left (2) Elisha, Charles, and Eli. Charles is 
also said to have had (3) Charles, Solomon, David, and other brothers who 
went to Vermont. The present inhabitants of the Town, bearing this name 
are descended principally from the three last mentioned. Those who bear 
the name of Andrus, are no doubt from the same stock, but the imperfection 
of the Records does not allow of historical proof of the fact. 

Bevin, Arthur, though resident in Glastenbury for some time before 
its incorporation, was not a land, or householder until subsequently. He re- 
ceived a grant from the public lands of the town in 1696. His wife's name 
was Mary, and their children were — 

John, b. 1676. Arthur, b. 16S6. 

Mary, b. 1678. Joanna, b. 1687. 

Grace, b. 1679. Elizabeth, b. 1690. 

Mercy, b. 1681. Abigail, b. 1692. 

Thomas, b. 1682. Sarah, b. 1694. 

Desire, b. 1684. Anna, b. 1696. 

Bevin, Thomas, the tax payer in 1713, was the Thomas above named. 

BiGELOW, John, was a land holder in Glastenbury in 1709, and was a 
tax payer in 1713, but there is no record of his family if he had one, nor of 
any of the name, until 1762, when David Birjelow, J/-., married Patience 
Foot, daughter of Nathaniel Foot, Jr. 

CouCH^ Simon, had a grant of public lands from the Town in 1698. 
He married Rebecca Strickland, Mai-ch 7, 1 705, and had — 

Rebecca, b. Feb. 25, 1706. 

Susanna, b. Feb. 1, 1707, m. John Smith, Fob. 17, 1731, had five children. 

Simon, b. Jan. 25, 1710. 

Jonathan, b. 1711, m. Sarah Pellett. 



196 



John, b. Aug. 5, 1713. 
Esther, b. 171-5, d. 1715. 

DiCKrNSON, Thomas, a descendant of Nathaniel, the original proprietor 
of No. 19, Naubuc Farms^ was resident in Glastenbury and received a grant 
of public lands in 1698. He married Mary Loveland, June 1, 1693, and d, 
April 1, 1717. Their children were — 

Joseph, b. May, 1694. 

Thomas, b. April, 1698. 

Charity, b. April, 1699, m. John Waddams. 

Joshuah, b. March, 1701. 

Phebe, b. Nov., 1702, m. Abraham Skinner, Jr., Jan. 26, 1727. 

Mary, b. Aug., 1704. 

David, b. Dec, 1705. 

Deborah, b. July, 1708, m. Benjamin Skinner, May 11, 1732. 

Thomas Dickinson d. April 1, 1717. 

Goodrich, Eichard, son of one of the Goodriches mentioned in No. 
12, Naubuc Farms, married Hannah Bulkley of New London, probably 
daughter of Charles, and grand-daughter of Ggrshom Bulkley, May 18, 
1709, and had— 

Antt, b. March 6, 1710. 

Eichard, b. July 13, 1712, d. Sept. 1, 1714. 

Sarah, b. July 6, 1715. 

Gershom, b. May 5, 1717. 

Richard, b. July 23, 1719. 

Hodge, Samuel, was a landholder in this Town in 1 713, but there is no 
record of his family here. In 1748, Samuel Hodge, Jr., married Mary, 
daughter of Thomas Loveland, and had three children. 

John Hodge, son of Samuel Hodge, Sen., m. Sarah Taylor, June 29, 1748, 
and had nine children, seven sons and three daughters. 

Benjamin Hodge, son of Samuel, m. Lydia Welles, 1751, and had nine 
children. 

JuDD, Jonathan, bought land in Glastenbury, 1712, m. Hannah Dig- 
gins, Nov. 27, 1712, and had — 

Philip, b. Jan. 13, 1714. 
Jonathan, b. Dec. 31, 1751. 

Keeney, Richard, d. 1680, leaving several children, among whom was 

Richard, b. 1673. His son Richard, m. Eunice , and resided partly in 

Glastenbury, and partly in Wethcrsfield. His children, as far as known, 
were, 

Mary, ni. Samuel Bidwell, Jr., Middlctown, Dec. 22, 1720. 

Richard, b. . to whom land was given by his father in 1726. 

Thomas, to whom land was given by his father in 1730. 

KiLiJORN, Ebenezer, son of John Kilborn, Jr., No. 24, Naubuc Farms, 
married (1) Sarah Fox, June, 1696, and had, 



Susannah, 


, b. Feb. 


17, 1697, 1 


Ebenezer, 


b. Jan. 


4, 1699. 


Richard, 


b. Feb. 


3, 1701. 


Sarah, 


b. Oct. 


29, 1703. 


Josiah, 


b. May 


28, 1705. 


Elizabeth, 


b. Sept. 


8, 1707. 


Gideon, 


b. March 30, 1711. 


Amos, 


b. Aug. 


19, 1712. 


Naomy, 


b. Oct. 


12, 1714. 


David, 


b. Oct. 


12, 1714. 



197 

, m. Abel Morley, April 9, 17 



Sarah Kllborn died Oct. 28, 1714, and Ebenezer married (2) Elizabeth 
Davis of Hartford, May 11, 1715, and had— 

James, b. July 3, 1716. 
Thomas,b. April 13, 1718. 

Morley, Thomas, a tax payer in 1713, m. Elizabeth, dau. William 
Wickham, Nov. 9, 1 708, and had— 

William, b. July 29, 1709. 

Elizabeth, b. July 31, 1715. 

John, b. Feb. 7, 1717. 

Enos, b. Aug. 6, 1719, d. Oct. 29, 1730. 

Mary, b. Oct. 24, 1722. 

Timothy, b. Feb. 15, 1726. 

Scott, Thomas, married Marce Goodale, (Mid. ?) June 3, 1 708, and 
had— 

Zebulon, b. April 14, 1710. 

Ebenezer, b. July 19, 1712. 

Moses, b. Sept. 8, 1714, m. Abigail Coals, Oct. 8, 1745. " 

Elizabeth, b. July 30, 1717, m. Thomas Buck, May 4, 1738. 

Thomas Scott died October 3d, 1747. 

Mary Scott died Sept. 24, 1753. 

Smith, Joseph, Jr., m. Sarah Colfax, March 2, 1729, and had— 

Elizabeth, b. Jan. 25, 1730, d. Jan., 1733. 
Jonathan, b. Jan. 15, 1734. 
Elijah, b. Nov. 8, 1738. 

Webster, Jonathan, a tax payer in 1713, m. Esther , and had — 

Jemima, b. Dec. 25,1709. 
Ezekiel, b. June 7, 1712. 
Mehitable, b. Oct. 20, 1714. 
Dorcas, b. Feb. 13, 1717. 
Sarah, b. Jan. 18, 1719, m. John Case. 
David, b. Jan. 29, 1721. 
Mary, b. Nov. 8, 1723. 

Stephen, b. June 11, 1728, also, but omitted in the record. 
Jonathan m. Mabel BisseU of Hartford, 1730, and to whom his father gave land in 1737. 

Welden, James, a tax payer in 1713, m. Mary Lamb of Springfield, 
Oct. 20, 1707, and had— 
Mary, b. Sept. 18, 1710. 
Anthony, b. Dec. 21, 1712. 
James, b. May 22, 1715, d. Sept., 1715. 
John, b. Not. 21, 1716. 



APPENDIX IV. 

NOTICES OF FAMILIES ADDED BETWEN 1713 AND 1757. 



Abby, Benjamin, of Windham, m. Mary, dau. of Doct. Joseph Tryon, 
Jan. 24, 1716, and left, Agnes, Hannah, Mary and Samuel. 

Alger, Simeon, m. Mary , about 1751, and left Koger, James, 

Mary and Simeon. 

Chambeklin, David, Jr. This man, or his father, m. Elizabeth Fin- 
ley, Sept. 15, 1748, and the names of two children are recorded. 

Chambeklin, Daniel. ] Of these, Daniel was the father, and Ricli- 

Chambeklin, Richard. ) ard the son, who m. Mary, dau. David Dick- 
inson, Dec. 21, 1752, and had ten children. 

Curtice, John. Three brothers, Richard, Jonathan and John Curtice, 
are mentioned in the Glastenbury Land Records in 1757, but only John was 
resident tax payer. 

Dinsmore, William, was son-in-law to Thomas Loveland, but which of 
the daughters he married we have not ascertained. His father-in-law gave 
him laud in 1739. 

Easton, AVid. H. The name of Easton has been found in Glastenbury 
at intervals, but the family has never remained here but a short period at 
any one time. 

Eddy, Charles, m. Mary , who had Ann, b. April 25, 1 740, and 

d. Aug. 1, 1743. He then m. Hannah Loveland, Jan. 11, 1744, and had, 
Hannah and Charles, and perhaps others not recorded. 

FiNLEY, GoiN, purchased a hundred acres of land of Elizabeth Bing- 
ham, at Sccheenayaug in 1746. He was an Irishman by birth. He had a 
brother John, mentioned below, and probably a sister Ehzabeth, who m. 
David Chamberlin as mentioned above. 

FiNLEY, John, was probably brother of the preceding, but the records 
do not give us much information in regard to him, 

GooDALE, Joseph. Ebenezer Goodale m. Sarah, dau. Thomas Brewer, 
Sen., March 15, 1717. Joseph was very likely his son. 



199 

HoLDEX, John, Jr. has no family record in Glastenbury, but his brother 
Jonathan m. Rachel, dau. Gideon Hollister, Nov. 25, 1762, and his son, John, 
m. Sarah, dau. Peleg Welden, May 8, 1794. 

Howe, John, was here and m. Mary , about 1 755. 

HuxFORD, Peter, was probably the father of Hennj and John Huxford, 
who were here during the Revolution, and one of whom was in the service. 
Keeney, Benjamin, appears to have been a descendant of Alexander 
Keeney, whose estate was settled in 1680. He left seven children, of whom, 
Richard was the youngest, being then six years of age. His son Richard 
resided in Glastenbury for a time, but Benjamin is the first who seems to 
have been permanently there. 

LooMis, Benjamin, came from Bolton, perhaps in consequence of the 
marriage of sevei-al gentlemen from Glastenbury with ladies of that name in 
Bolton. 

Matson, Thomas, came from Middletown, and his ancestors from Ire- 
land. He m. Rachel, dau. Ebenozer Fox, about 1732, and had seven chil- 
dren. 

Miles, David, m. Eunice Cole, Dec. 7, 1749, and had Daniel and Eliza- 
beth, and perhaps others not recorded. 

Neville, John, conveyed land to his son-in-law, Henry Goslee, In 1735. 
Also to his son Zebadiah Fox, In 1731 and 1732. 

Nichols, Ozias, was the son of Nathaniel Nichols, and had a brother 
Nicholas, to whom he conveyed land In 1757. Also a brother Nathan, who 
was a landholder in Glastenbury In 1746. 

Perrine, Stephen. The history of this man Is unknown. He seems 
not to have remained here long. 

Plummer, Ebenezer, was born at Newburyport, commenced business 
In Boston, from whence he came to Glastenbury In 1747. He m. Elizabeth 
Shelton of Stratford, a descendant of Gov. Thomas Welles, and had six 
children. His son Isaac m. Abigail Elizabeth, dau. Rev. Jedediah Mills of 
Ripton, now Huntington. His son and grandson are mentioned in the list 
of' graduates given below. 

Pratt, Daniel, came from Hartford to Glastenbury, but remained here 
but a few years. 

Risley, Wrisley. This name Is a contraction from that of Wrio- 
thesley, a name In the English " Peerage, also pronounced Risley. The 
earliest of the name here, was Samuel, whose son Samuel had land given 
him by his father in 1 745. 

Job m. Mary, dau. Ephraim Bidwell, Oct. 17, 1741, who d. April 15, 
1742. He then m. Beriah, dau. Joseph Fox, July 8, 1742, and had ten 
children. 

Thomas m. Elizabeth, dau. William Burnham, Hartford, July 15, 1749, 
and had five children. Besides thei-e were two sons and two daughters, who 
appear to have belonged to the same family. 



200 

, Abigail, m. Churchill Edwards. 
Sarah, m. Nathaniel Loomis. 
Jonathan and Charles. 

Root, John, was probably a descendant of John Root of Farmington, 
who m. Mary Kilborn, dau. of Thomas, the first of the name in the country- 
He m. Rebecca , about 1741, and has three children recorded. 

Sellew, Phillip, son of John Sellew of Martin's [Martha's V] Vine- 
yard, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Jeduthan Smith, April 2, 1767. This man was 
not resident -here in 1757, but the name is inserted in order to remark that 
the tradition that Sellew was formed by the transposition of Welles, does not 
seem well founded, unless the scene is laid elsewhere than Glastenbury. 

Skinner, Ben.jamin, son, probably of Abraham Skinner of Colchester, 
married Deborah, dau. of Thomas Dickinson. His brother, Abraham, Jr., 
m. Phebe, dau. of the same, Jan. 26, 1727, and had six children recorded in 
Glastenbury. 

Sparks, Thomas, 'married the daughter of Richard Keeney, as appears 
by a deed wherein he released land to his brothers-in-law, Thomas and Rich- 
ard, sons of Richard Keeney, 1750. 

Stratton, Samuel, ) These men were probably brothers. We have 

Stratton, Isaac, V not ascertained where they came from, but John 

Stkatton, John. ) and Samuel remained here, and Samuel Avas in 
the Revolutionary service. 

Strong, Eleazar, had a son Jesse, who m. Jemima, dau. Deac. Benja- 
min Skinner of Hebron, Ajml 16, 1750, and had five children. Also a son 
Amos, who m. Jemima Stiles, April 29, 1762, and had seven children. 

Ward, Daniel, was here of course before 1757, when he was taxed, and 
he remained here until 1777, when he took the oath of fidelity. 

Williams, Samuel, son of Samuel Williams of Wethersfield, m. Susana, 
dau. John Fox, Jan. 17, 1733, and had eight children. 

Wheeler, Gershom, seems not to have remained long in Glastenbury, 
unless Lazarus Wheeler, who was here in the time of the Revolution, was 
his son. 

Wyard, John, \ The name found written in our Records, Ware, Wear, 
Ware, Joseph. \ Wier, Wyard, is evidently the same. Joseph Ware' 
m. Lydia Fox, April 8, 1742, and had eight children. 



APPENDIX V. 

CHANGES IN THE ORTHOGRAPHY OF NAMES. 



In tracing the names of families and estates, it will often be found that 
great changes have taken place in the ortlioyraphy of names, though the pro- 
nunciation may have remained nearly or quite the same. A knowledge of 
these changes is often indispensable in passing from generation to generation 
in order to connect them. The following are the principal ones which occur 
in our records. 

Alford, Alvord, and Olvard, are variations of the same name. 

Andrews and Andrus are the same name differently written. 

Bevin and Beving are also the same. 

BiGELOW and Biglow are modifications of the same name. 

Curtice as formerly written, is the same name as the present Curtiss. 

Dickinson and Dickerson are orthographic changes. 

GiLDERSLEEVE, GiLDERS and GiLDER, are various modes of writing 
and pronouncing the same name. 

Goodrich, Goodridge and Goodridg, are the same name in different 
forms. 

GosLiN, Gosling, Gosley, Goslee. This name appears to have been 
French, to have been spelled like the first, and pronounced like the second 
variation. The name was changed intentionally, and occurs in the Record 
of the births of the children of Henry Goslin, the first of the name, and as 
he first wrote it. The Record of his eighth child's name, was entered as 
Henry Gosley. 

Glastenbury in Connecticut has an E, uniformly in the second syllable, 
which the English replaces by an 0. The Tis also often changed into S in 
the early records. 
Hill and Hills are also one name in our records. 

KiLBORN, Kilborne, Kilburn, Kilburne, are merely orthographic 
varieties of the same name. 

Moseley was at first T^ritten Maudsley, in all our records, and is so 



202 

•written in those of Westfield, from whence the family came, and in those of 
Windsor where they first settled. It seems to have been purposely changed. 

RiSLEY, at first written Wrisley in our records, is a contracted form of 
the English name Wriothesley, all of which are pronounced alike. 
^ Strickland, Strickling, and sometimes Stickling, are mere varie- 
ties, the first being correct, the other two corruptions. 

Tryon, Trion and Trian denote the same name, truly represented 
by the first form. 

Ware, Wear, Wier, Wire and Wyard are different forms of wri- 
ting the same name, in regard to which it is cUfficult to determine the earli- 



APPENDIX VI. 



LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES 



From the incorporation of (lie Toicn to the present lime, with notices of their 
parentage and age when first elected, to the time of the Revolution. 



1690. Town incorporated. 

1691. No Representative. 

1692. June 22d, " This Court names the town of Nabuck, over against 

Wethersfield, Glassenbury." 

1693. The General Court releases the town of Glassenbury from paying a 

country tax. 

1694. Eleazer Kimberley, son of Thomas R. of New Haven, 54. 

1695. Samuel Hale, the second of the name, 50. 

1696. Eleazer Kimberly ; also Secretary of State from 1696 to 1709. 
2d Ses. Samuel Hale. 

1697. Samuel Welles, the second of the name, 37. 

2d Ses. Samuel Hale. 

1698. Samuel Hale. 

2d Ses. Eleazer Kimberly. 

1699. Jonathan Smith. 

2d Ses. Jonathan Smith. 

1700. John Hubbard, son of John, of Wethersfield. 
2d Ses. John Hubbard. 

1701.* Jonathan Smith, Samuel Hale. 

2d Ses. Jonathan Smith, Samuel Hale. 

1702. Jonathan Smith, Samuel Hale. 

2d Ses. Samuel Hale, Epliraim Goodrich.f 

1703. Jonathan Smith, Thomas Treat. J Jonathan Smith. Vacancy. 

1704. Samuel Hale, Jonathan Smith. Samuel Hale, John Hubbard. 



* This was the first year that Glastenbury had two Representatives. 

t Son of William, 39. 

X " Of NayuUo'," son of Richard, 35. 



204 

1705. Samuel Hale, John Hubbard. Samuel Welles, Samuel Hale. 

1706. Samuel Hale, John Hubbard. Samuel Hale, Thomas Treat. 

1707. Samuel Welles, Samuel Hale. Samuel Hale, John Hubbard. 

1708. Samuel Hale, Jonathan Smith. Thomas Kimberly,* Samuel Hale. 

1709. Samuel Hale. Vacancy. Samuel Hale, Thomas Kimberly. 

1710. Samuel Hale, Thomas ICimberly. Samuel Hale, Thomas Kimberly. 

1711. Samuel Hale, Thomas Kimberly. Thomas Kimberly. Vacancy. 

1712. Samuel Welles, Thomas Treat. Samuel Welles, Thomas Treat. 

1713. Samuel Welles, Samuel Smith. Samuel Welles, Samuel Smith. 

1714. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. 
1 715. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. 

1716. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. Thomas Kmiberly, John Hubbard. 

1717. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. 

1718. Thomas Kimberly, Samuel Smith, Jr.f Thomas Kimberly, John Hub- 

bard. 

1719. Thomas Kimberly. Vacancy. Thomas Kimberly. Vacancy. 

1720. Thomas Kimberly, Benjamin Talcott.J Thomas Kimberly, John Hub- 

bard. 

1721. Thomas Kimberly, Abram Kilbourn.§ Thomas Ivimberly, John Hub- 

bard. 

1722. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. 

1723. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. 

1724. Thomas Kimberly, John Hubbard. Thomas Kimberly, David Hub- 

bard.]] 

1725. Thomas Kimberly, Thomas Welles.^ Thomas Kimberly, David Hub- 

bard. 

1726. **Thomas Kimberly, David Hubbard. **Thomas Kimberly, Thomas 

Welles. 

1727. **Thomas Kimberly, David Hubbard. **Thomas Kimberly, David 

Hubbard. 

1728. Thomas Welles, Charles Treat.ft **Thomas Kimberly. Vacancy. 

1729. **Thomas Kimberly, David Hubbard. Thomas Kimberly, David Hub- 

bard. 

1730. Thomas Welles, David Hubbard. David Hubbard, Abraham Kil- 

bourn.JI 

1731. Thomas Welles, David Hubbard. Thomas Welles, David Hubbard. 

1732. Thomas Welles, David Hubbard. Thomas Welles, David Hubbard. 

1733. Thomas Welles. David Hubbard. Thomas Welles, David Hubbard. 

1734. Thomas Welles, David Hubbard. Thomas Welles, David Hubbard. 



* Son of Eleazer, 27. t Age, 29. 

t Son of Samuel, 46. § Son of John, 46. 

|] Son of John. IF Son of Samuel the 2d, 32. 

*• Speaker of the House. ft Son of Thomas, 32. 

Jt Same as Abram, 1721. 



205 



1735. 

1736. 

1737. 

1738. 

1739. 

1740. 

1741. 

1742. 
1743. 
1744. 
1745, 
1746 
1747 
1748 
1749 
1750 
1751 



Nathaniel T^lcott* David Hubbard. Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale.j ^ 



Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Abner Moseley. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan, Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
, Thomas Welles,t Jonathan Hale. 
. Thomas Welles,^ Samuel Kimberlj 



Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas AVelles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 

Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 

Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 

Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 

Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 

Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 

Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 

Thomas Welles, Jonathan Hale. 
Jonathan Hale, Samuel Kim- 



1752. 

1753. 

1754. 

1755. 

1756. 

1757. 

1758. 
1759. 
1760. 
1761. 
1762. 
1763, 
1764, 
1765 
1766 
1767 



Jonathan Hale, Samuel Kimberly. Jonathan Hale, Samuel Kimber y. 
Jonathan Hale, Samuel Kimberly. Jonathan Hale, Samuel Kimberly. 
Jonathan Hale, Samuel Kimberly. Samuel Kimberly, Samuel Talcott. 
Jonathan Hale, Samuel Kimberly. Jonathan Hale, Samuel Ivimberly. 
Abram Kilbourn. Vacancy. Samuel Kimberly. Vacancy. 
Samuel Kimberly. Vacancy. Samuel Kimberly. Vacancy. 
Josiah Benton-ll Vacancy. Samuel Kimberly, John Welles-l 
Isaac** Kimberly, John Welles. Samuel Kimberly. Vacancy. 
Samuel Kimberly, John Welles. Samuel Kimberly, Jonathan Welles. 
John Kimberly ,tt John Welles. John Kimberly, John AVelles. 
Jonathan Hale, William AVelles-tJ John Kimberly, William Welles. 
John Kimberly, WiUiam Welles. Jonathan Hale, William Welles. 
Elisha§§ Hollister, Jonathan Welles. William Welles, John Kmrberly. 
John kimberly, William Welles. Jonathan W^elles, Elizur Talcott.|i || 
' Elizur Talcott, William Welles. Jonathan Welles,1t John Kimberly. 
' Elizur Talcott, John Kimberly. Jonathan Welles, Elizur Talcott. 



* Son of Samuel, 47. t Son of Samuel, the 2d. 

t Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

I Son of Thomas, 4:3. H Son of Edward, 53. IT Son of Thomas, Esq. 

** This name is probably an error for Samuel. There was no tax-payer m 
Glastenbury in Hol.nor any child bearing that name in the family of Thomas, 
from whom the Glastenbury Kimberlys descended. 

tt Son of Thomas, 42. « Son of Thomas. .-38. 

§§ Son of Thomas, 48. Illl Son of Deac. Benjamin, 57 

1I1I Son of Thomas, 34. 



206 

1768. Jonathan Welles, John Kimberly. "William Welles, John Kimberly. 
17GD. Jonathan Welles, John Kimberly. Jonathan Welles, John Kimberly. 

1770. John Kimberly, Jonathan Welles. Jonathan Welles, John Kim- 

berly. 

1771. Jonathan Welles, John Kimberly. John Kimberly, Jonathan Welles. 

1772. John Kimberly, Jonathan Welles. John Kimberly, Jonathan Welles. 

1773. John Kimberly, EbenezerPlummer. William Welles, Jonathan Welles. 

1774. Jonathan Welles, Ebenezer Plummer.* Jonathan AVelles, Ebenezer 

Plummer. 

1775. Jonathan Welles, Ebenezer Plummer. Jonathan Welles, Elijah Hol- 

lister. 

1776. Ebenezer Plummer, Elijah Ilollister. Ebenezer Plummer, Elijah Hol- 

lister. 

1777. Jonathan Welles, Ebenezer Plummer. Ebenezer Plummer. Va- 

cancy. 
17 78. Jonathan Welles, Ebenezer Plummer. Jonathan Welles, Ebenezer 
Plummer. 

1779. Jonathan AVelles, Joseph Mosele3^f EbenezerPlummer. Vacancy. 

1780. Ebenezer Plummer, Doct. Elizur Ilale.J Isaac Goodrich,§ Elijah Hol- 
lister. 

1781. Ebenezer Plummer, Isaac Goodrich. Vacancy. Vacancy. 

1782. Josiah Hale,|| Ebenezer Plummer. Gideon Hale,^ Isaac Moseley. 

1783. Gideon Hale, Phillip Sellew. Gideon Hale, Phillip Sellew. 

1784. Gideon Hale, Phillip Sellew. Gideon Hale, Phillip Sellew. 

1785. Phillip Sellew, Gideon Hale. Phillip Sellew, Josiah Hale. 

1786. Phillip Sellew, Joseph Moseley. John Welles, Joseph JNIoseley. 

1787. Joseph Moseley, John Welles. Joseph Moseley, John Welles. 

1788. Joseph Moseley, Jonathan Brace. Joseph Moseley, Phillip Sellew. 

1789. Joseph Moseley, Howell Woodbridge. Joseph Moseley, Howell Wood- 

bridge. 

1 790. Joseph Moseley, Howell Woodbridge. Joseph Moseley, Howell Wood- 

bridge. 

1791. Joseph Moseley, Jonathan Brace. Howell Woodbridge, Jonathan 

Brace. 

1792. Howell Woodbridge, Jonathan Brace. Joseph Moseley, Howell Wood- 

bridge. 

1793. Howell Woodbridge, Jonathan Brace. Isaac Welles, Joseph Moseley. 

1794. Howell AVoodbridge, Jonathan Brace. Howell AVoodbridge, Elisha 

Hale. 



* Came from Boston to Glastenbury in 17 17. The first Representative of the 
town not a native born citizen. He died, 1S17. 

t Son of Abncr. f Son of Jonathan. § Son of David, 37. 

II Son of Benjamin, 35. H Son of Benjamin, 46. 



207 

1 795. Howell Woodbridge, Elisha Hale. Elisha Hale, John Hale. 

1796. Elisha Hale, John Hale. John Hale, Zeph. H. Smith. 

1797. John Hale, Zeph. H. Smith. John Hale, Zeph. H. Smith. 

1798. John Hale, Zeph. H. Smith. Zeph. H. Smith, John Hale. 

1799. Zeph. H. Smith, John Hale. John Hale, Samnel Welles, Jr. 

1800. Zeph. H. Smith, Jonathan Welles. Phillip Sellew, Israel Foote. 

1801. Zeph. H. Smith, Jonathan Welles. Zeph. H. Smith, Jonathan Welles. 

1802. Jonathan Welles, Samuel Welles. Jonathan Welles, Samuel Welles. 

1803. Jonathan Welles, Samuel Welles. Samuel Welles, Asaph Coleman. 

1804. Samuel Welles, Asaph Coleman. Samuel Welles, Asaph Coleman. 

1805. Samuel Welles, Jonathan Welles. Samuel Welles, ISIarvin Dayton. 

1806. Samuel Welles, Marvin Dayton. Marvin Dayton, Benjamin Hale. 

1807. Benjamin Hale, Roswell Hollister. Benjamin Hale, Roswell Hollister. 

1808. Samuel Welles, Roswell Hollister. Roswell Hollister, James McLean. 

1809. James McLean, George Wrisley. George Wrisley, George Sellew. 

1810. George Sellew, David E. Hubbard. David E. Hubbard, Gideon 

Hafe, Jr. 

1811. George Sellew, Amos Hollister. Amos Hollister, Gideon Hale, Jr. 

1812. Samuel Welles, Gideon Hale, Jr. Oliver Hale, Pardon Brown. 

1813. Benjamin Hale, Sylvester Pulsifer. Benjamin Hale, Sylvester Pulsifer. 

1814. Benjamin Hale, David E.Hubbard. Sylvester Pulsifer, Ezra Dayton. 

1815. Ezra Dayton, David E. Hubbard. Benjamin Hale, Oliver Hale. 

1816. Jonathan Welles, Marvin Dayton. Jonathan Welles, Jeremiah Stock- 

ing. 

1817. Jonathan Welles, Jeremiah Stocking. Jeremiah Stocking, Marvin 

Dayton. 

1818. Samuel Welles, David E. Hubbard. Marvin Dayton, Samuel Welles. 

1819. Samuel Welles, David E. Hubbard. 

1820. Ezra Dayton, George Wrisley. 

1821. George Wrisley, David E. Hubbard. 

1822. Alexander Hollister, Ezra Dayton. 

1823. Alexander Hollister, David E. Hubbard. 

1824. Alexander Hollister, Thomas Hollister. 
1825. Thomas Hollister, Solomon Cole. 

1826. Solomon Cole, David E. Hubbard. 

1827. Gideon Welles, Henry Dayton. 

1828. Jonathan Welles, Thomas Hollister. 

1829. Gideon AVelles, Henry Dayton. 

1830. David E. Hubbard, Gideon Welles. 

1831. Ezra Dayton, George Covell. 

1832. George Covell, Gideon Welles. 

1833. Robert Hunt, Sylvester Blish. 

1834. Gideon Welles, Henry Dayton. 

1835. David E. Hubbard, Gideon Welles. 

1836. Robert Hunt, Thaddeus Welles. 



208 

1837. Thaddeus Welles, Cbauncey Andrews. 

1838. Ezra Dayton, Chauncey Andrews. 

1839. David E. Hubbard. James Killam. 

1840. James Killam, Frary Hale. 

1841. Frary Hale, Asaliel Hollister. 

1842. NoahTryon, David Andrews. 

1843. Noah Tryon, David Andrews. 

1844. Henry Dayton, Nathan Pierson. 

1845. Thaddeus Welles, Daniel H. Stevens. 

1846. Nathan Pierson, Daniel H. Stevens. 

1847. Thaddeus Welles, Charles Treat. 

1848. Thaddeus Welles, James Alger. 

1849. Ralph Crane, Edward Hale. 

1850. Horace Talcott, Henry T. Welles. 

1851. James Killam, Otis House. 

1852. Gideon Kinne, Edwin S. Treat. 

1853. Gideon Kinne, Sabin Stocking. 



APPENDIX VII. 

TOWN CLERKS OF GLASTENBURY FROM THE INCORPO- 
RATION OF THE TOWN TO THE PRESENT DAY. 



Eleazer Kimberly, 
Samuel Smith, 
Thomas Kimberly, 
Thomas Welles, 
William Welles, 
Josiah Hale, . 
John Hale, . 
Jonathan Welles, 
Thaddeus Welles, 
Henry Dayton, 
Thaddeus Welles, 
Frary Hale, . 
Benjamin Taylor, 



Elected. 


Died or omitted. 


1692, 


1708. 


1708, 


1713. 


1713, 


1730. 


1730, 


1766. 


1766, 


1781. 


1781, 


1804. 


1804, 


1817. 


1817, 


1829. 


1829, 


1840. 


1840, 


1841. 


1841. 


1848. 


1848, 


1850. 


1850. 





14 



APPENDIX VIII 
BURYING GROUNDS. 



1692. Old Bunjing Ground. The oldest place of burial in town, is that 
called the " Old Burying Ground," being in part, land given by John Hub- 
bard and Samuel Smith in 1692, for that, and the purposes of a Meeting 
House Green. 

1733. Easthury Old Burying Ground, in the woods. Some time subse- 
quent to the building of the Meeting House, the town gave Eastbury two 
acres of common land which was laid out for a Burying Ground, near where 
the Meeting House was originally built. Before this the people of Eastbury 
buried in the old society, where lie the remains of the two first ministers of 
that parish. When the Meeting House was removed in 1820, this burying 
place was partially abandoned for the one near the new Meeting House. 

1776. South Burying Ground. This year the town bought a piece of 
land of Jehiel Goodrich, on the top of the hill below Roaring Brook, for a 
Burying Ground, paying forty shillings an acre. The first digger of graves 
in this yard, was the man of whom the land was purchased. The second 
was his son Edward, who still continues to discharge that duty. The first 
person buried in the yard was a Matson, and is so entered on the tomb-stone. 
Fourteen who have committed suicide, lie buried here. 

1810. Wassuc Burying Ground. This Burying Ground was established 
about the time of building the Church, which was in 1810. 

1823. Center Burying Ground. This yanl was established as a Society 
Burying Ground in 1823, half of an acre of land having been purchased for 
that purjiose. The first person buried in the yard was Ellen Hubbard, Sep- 
tember 15th, 1824, and is so entered on the grave-stone. 

Special rules and regulations in regard to this ground, were adopted in 
1844, and confirmed by the Legislature in 1845. 

1820. Eastbury Xcw Bunjing Ground, near the jNIecting House. This 
ground seems to have been established about the time mentioned, and has 
since been the principal place of burial in that society. 



211 

Burying Ground, near the residence of Leonard E. Hale, Esq. 

This ground is a small yard, established some years since, for the conve- 
nience of a few families in that vicinity. 

1845. NIpsic Burying Ground. Another small yard in the east part of 
this town, was opened about eight years ago, and is near the school house in 
that district. It is small, and intended to accommodate but a few families. 



APPENDIX IX. 

CENSUS OF CONNECTICUT. 



Year. 


Population. 


Year. 


Population. 


1671, 


2,050 


1790, 


. 238,141 


1676, . 


2,306 


1800, . 


251,002 


1677, 


2,365 


1810, 


. 262,042 


1678, . 


2,490 


1820, . 


275,202 


1679, 


2,509 


1830, . 


. 297,675 


1756, . 


130,611 


1840, . 


309,978 


1774, 


. 197,365 


1850, 


. 371,982 


1782, . 


209,150 








CENSUS OF GLASTENBURY. 




Tear. 


Population, 


Year. 


Population. 


1790, . 




1830, . 


. 2,980 


1800, 


2,718 


1840, 


3,077 


1810, . 


. 2,766 


1850, . 


. 3,390 


1820, 


3,114 







MEMBERS OF THE STATE SENATE. 



1833. 
1840. 

1844. 
1851. 



Hon. David E. Hubbard. 
Hon. Solomon Cole. 
Hon. George Plummer. 
Hon. George Plummer. 



JUDGES OF THE COUNTY COURT. 



Hon. David E. Hubbard, Assistant Judge several years. 
Hon. George Merrick, Esq., Chief Judge for several years. 



APPENDIX X. 

NATIVES AND CITIZENS OF GLASTENBUKY WHO HAVE 

BEEN GRADUATED AT ANY PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF 

LEARNING, OR BEEN REGULARLY ADMITTED TO 

ANY OF THE LEARNED PROFESSIONS. 



Brace, Jonathan Kimberley, Esq., son of Jonathan Brace, Esq., 
of Glastenbury, who married the widoAv of Thomas Kimberly, was graduated 
at Yale, 1801, and immediately after entered upon the study of Law, which 
profession with its usual attendants of public business, has occupied his life. 
He has held many prominent posts in the city of Hartford. The Rev. Jona- 
than Brace of Milford, is son of this man. 

Brainard, Edwin S., son of Oliver Brainard, Esq., Glastenbury, was 
graduated at Trinity, 1842. He has been a successful teacher for many 
yearSj.but is now pursuing the study of Medicine. 

BuLKLEY, Rev. John, son of Hon. and Rev. Gershom Bulkley, M. D., — 
was graduated at Harvard 1699, and settled at Colchester. For a further 
account of this man, see p. 41. 

Coleman, Doct. Asa, son of Doct. Asaph Coleman of Glastenbury, b. 
July 2, 1 788, received a Diploma from the Connecticut Medical Society in 
1810, authorizing and empowering him to pursue the practice of Medicine- 
He immediately removed to Ohio, where he has since resided, at Troy, 
Miami County. He has been a Representative of his County several times, 
and Associate Judge five years. 

[Coleman, Doct. Asaph, father of the preceding, was a native of ~- Pi/ 
Colchester, admitted to the practice of Medicine by the Conn. Med. Soc. in 
1774, settled in Glastenbury, married Elizabeth Hollister, Nov. 11, 1778, 
was twice Surgeon in the Revolutionary army, (1) under Col. Thomas Bel- 
den, and (2) under Col. Ilowel Woodbridge. He was a Representative to 
the General Assembly several times. He died Nov. 15, 1820, aged 73.] 

Dean, Rev. Philotus, son of Amos Dean, b. Oct. 29, 1822, was grad- 
uated at Yale, 1843. He studied Theology and has since been engaged in 
a College for the education of Negroes, in Western Pennsylvania.] 



214 

Dean, Rev. Sidney, son of Amos Dean, b. Nov. 16, 1818, was admit- 
ted Preacher by the Methodist Conference, 1843 ; or was admitted by the 
proper authority between the sessions of 1842 and 1843. He has since been 
officiating in connection with the Conference, with one brief exception. 

Eells, Rev. James, son of Rev. James Eells, was graduated at Yale, 
1799. He studied Theologj^, and after preaching several years in Western 
New York, commenced teaching, and pursued it until his age induced him to 
relinquish it. 

Eells, Roger, Esq., son of Rev. John Eells, was graduated at Yale, 
1785. He studied Law and commenced practice, but died in Sept., 1790. 

FoOTE, Rev. David, graduated at Dartmouth, 1778. After studying 
Theology and preaching several years as a Congregationalist, he became an 
Episcopalian, and receiving Holy Orders, he was settled at Rye, where he died. 

Goodrich, Rev. Nelson, son of Edward Goodrich, b. June 13, 1816, 
was admitted to preach in 1843, and has since been laboring under the di- 
rection of the Conference. 

GosLEE, DocT. James Pierpont, son of James Goslee, b. Aug. 24, 
1806, was admitted to practice by the proper authorities. He removed to 
Pratt's Hollow, a village in the Town of Easton, N. Y., 1834. He died Dec. 
27, 1850. 

Goslee, Doct. Thomas, son of Timothy Goslee, b. Sept. 10, 1772, 
after pursuing study with Doct. Asaph Coleman, was admitted to the practice 
of Medicine by the proper authorities, about 1796, and soon after removed 
to Hamilton, in the State of New York. He died Aug. 1, 1832. 

Hale, Rev. Albert, son of Matthew, was graduated at Yale, 1827, 
and has since been Pastor of a Presbyterian Church at the West. JHe is 
now at Springfield, Illinois. 

Hale, Doct. Elizur, son of Jonathan Hale, was graduated at Yale, 
1742, studied medicine and settled in his native Town. He died May 27th, 
1790, in the 66th year of his age, having been in practice forty-four years. 
He once represented the Town in General Assembly. 

Hale, Doct. Elizur, (2d,) of whom we only know that he was prob- 
ably son of the preceding, and died Dec. 26, 1796, at what age is not known. 

Hale, W. Elias, Esq., was graduated at Yale, 1 794, studied Law, and 
pursued the practice of the profession until his death, Feb. 3, 1832, in the 
57th year of his age. 

[Hale, Reuben C, Esq., son of the preceding, was educated at Capt. 
Partridge's A. L. and S. Academy, spending two years at Yale. He studied 
and pursued the profession of his father until appointed Surveyor of the Port 
of Philadelphia, in April, 1853.] 

[Hale, Doct. Elias W., brother of the preceding, is a graduate of the 
Penn. Medical Institution, and resides at Lewistown.] 

Hale, Josiah, son of Benjamin Ilale, b. January 27, 1747, after being 



215 

graduated at Yale, 1765, returned to his native place, and gave his attention 
to the cultivation of his farm. He was for many years Town Clerk, and filled 
many other offices in the gift of the Town. He represented the Town in 
General Assembly several times. 

Hill, Rev. Israel, son of Jared Hills, b. Oct. 12, 1801, was graduated 
at Amherst, in 1830, and at Andover three years later. He is a Congrega- 
tional Minister, settled at Dixmont, Maine. 

Hills, Doct. Samuel Augden, son of Deacon Chester Hills, b. March 
21, 1821, is a Physician. After being admitted to practice, he removed to 
Harlem, N. Y., where he still resides. 

HoLLisTER, Rev. Edward, son of Joseph, was graduated at Middle- 
bury, Vt, 1816, and at Andover, Mass., 1820. He has since been engaged 
in the duties of his profession at the West. 

HoLLiSTER, Shelton, Esq., SOU of Benjamin Hollister, was graduated, 
at Yale, in 1848, studied Law, and settled at St Paul's, Minnesota. 

Hubbard, Rev. Anson, son of David Hubbard, b. May 24, 1791, was 
graduated at Yale, 1817, and has since been a Congregational Minister, offi- 
ciating principally in New Hampshire. 

Hubbard, David, was graduated at Yale, 1721. 
Hubbard, Rev. Jonathan, was graduated at Yale, 1724. What we 
know of his history is given on p. 71. 

Kimberley, Thomas, Esq., (probably son of Samuel,) born 1747, was 
graduated at Yale, 1766. He was so badly wounded by the blowing up of 
the powder mill at Nayaug, Aug. 23, 1777, that he died the day following. 
See Remarks of Judge Merrick in Report of Proceedings. 

Maffitt, Rev. John Newland, a native of Ireland, resident some 
time in Eastbury, commenced his career as preacher while residing 
there. He was admitted to preach by the Conference at that time, as is 
supposed. 

MosELEY, Doct. Isaac, son of — Moseley, was graduated at Yale, 1 762, 
He pursued the study of Medicine and commenced practice in Glastenbury. 
His partialities for the British cause in the Revolution, led to his subsequent 
removal to England, where he spent the remainder of his days. He pub- 
lished a treatise on some topic connected with his profession, which was held 
in good repute by the members of the same profession. He was also one of 
the Representatives of the Town to the General Assembly. 

MosELEY, Jonathan O., Esq., son of Doct. Thomas Moseley,; was 
graduated at Yale, 1780. He studied Law, and settled at Haddam. He 
was a Member of the House of Representatives in the United States Con- 
gress, from 1805 to 1821. 

Plummer, Deacon George, Esq., son of Isaac Plummer, b. 1785, 
was graduated at Yale, 1804. He studied Law, and commenced practice in 
his native place ; but relinquished it upon the death of his father. He has 



216 

been many years Deacon in the First Congregational Church. See Remarks 
of Judge Merrick in Report of Proceedings. 

Plummer, Rev. Isaac William, son of the preceding, b. Sept. 19, 
1812, was graduated at Yale, 1832. He studied Theology, and has been en- 
gaged in the duties of his profession, whenever his health would permit. 

Smith, Joseph, graduated at Yale, 1719, is supposed not to have studied 
a profession, but to have led the life of a general student, all his days. He 
is reported to have had an unusually large library for those days, and to 
have derived most of his pleasure from it. 

Smith, Rev. Zephaniah Hollister, Esq., son of Isaac Smith, b. 
Aug. 19, 1758, was graduated at Yale, 1782. He pursued Theology, and 
was settled over the Congregational Church at Newtown. Having changed 
his views of Christian doctrine, he withdrew from the Parish and returned to 
Glastenbury. Here he went into trade for a short time, but soon studied 
Law, and practiced it in this Town until his death, which took place Feb. 1, 
1836, aged 77. 

Stocking, Rev. Sabup.a S. "J These persons were all sons of 
Stocking, Rev. Selah. | Rev. Jeremiah Stocking, and all were 

Stocking, Rev. Servilius. S- clergymen. A general notice of all 

Stocking, Rev. Solon. is given in the account of the father, 

Stocking, Rev. Sophronius H.J in the history of the Methodist 
Church in East Glastenbury. 

Stocking, Doct. Sarin, son of the same, was admitted to practice by 
the Medical Society of Connecticut, and settled in his native place. 

Strong, Prof. Theodore, son of Rev. Joseph Strong of Eastbury, 
was graduated at Yale, and has since distinguished himself as one of the first 
Mathematicians of the day. 

Talcott, Gen. George, a graduate of West Point. See p. 1G9. 

Taylor, Rev. Joseph Pemberton, son of Mr. Samuel Taylor, was 
graduated at Trinity, 1843, and at the General Theological Seminary of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, three years after. He soon after took Orders 
and has since been laboring in the duties of his profession, first in Connecti- 
cut, but since in Pennsylvania. 

Treat, Rev. Charles, son of Thomas Treat, of Nayaug, b. Feb., 1696, 
was graduated in 1722. He studied divinity and preached for a time, but 
marrying a wife possessed of large estates, be relinquished his profession and 
confined himself to agriculture. 

Treat, Rev. Richard, son of Thomas Treat, of Nayaug, b. May, 1694, 
was graduated at Yale, 1725. He also studied Theology, but little of his 
subsequent history is known. 

TitYON, Doct. Joseph, is not at first called by this title in our records. 
^Vllether he subsequendy pursued study with Doct. Bulkley, as he might 
have done, we are not informed. There are presumptions that he did so, of 
which tlie general application of the title to him afterwards, in matters oi 
public record, is a very strong one. 



217 

Welles, Henry Titus, son of Jonathan Welles, Esq., was gradua- 
ted at Trinity, 1843. He became a candidate for Holy Orders, but ill health 
compelled him to relinquish the study. He has represented the Town m 
General Assembly. 

Welles, Jonathan, son of Thomas Welles, b. Aug. 9, 1732, was grad- 
uated at Yale, 1751, and was subsequently a Tutor in the same mstitution. 
He returned to his native place, and devoted himself to his farm. He ever 
occupied a prominent place in public affairs, and represented the Town m 
General Assembly a great number of sessions. He died January 27, 1792, 
in the 60th year of his age. 

Welles, Roswell, Esq., son of the preceding, b. Aug. 20, 1761, was 
graduated at Yale 1 784. He studied law and settled in Wilkesbarre, l-enn., 
where he was a Judge for several years. 

Welles, William, son of William, b. Nov. 22, 1754, was graduated at 
Yale, 1779. 

Welles, Rev. Samuel, son of Samuel, b. Dec. 24, 1689, was gradua- 
ted at Yale 1707. He studied Theology,, and preached for a time, but his 
own, and especiaUy his wife's estate being large, he rescued tisParish, went 
to Boston to live, where he accumulated much more. He died May 20 1 i 70 
It has already been remarked, that Samuel Welles, the rich banker at 
Paris, was his son. 

Wheat, Rev. Abijah C, a native of Glastenbury, was admitted preacher 
amon<^ the Methodists, in 1835. 

Wheat, Elder, Doct. Solomon, was a Doctor, and a Preacher 
amon.. the Baptists, but whether he ever received licence for either, or had 
taken°them up on his own authority and account, we have not ascertained. 

White, Rev. Henry, was graduated at Williams College, 1812, studied 
Theology and preached for several years, but is now dead. 

Woodbridge, Rev. Samuel, graduated at Yale, 1763, was son of the 
Rev. Ashbel. His history is given in connection with that of Eastbury. 

Woodbridge, Rev. Timothy, graduated at Yale, 1765, was son of the 
same, and his history has been given in brief in connection with that of his 
father. 

Woodbridge, Rev. William, graduated at Yale, 1765, was also son 
of the same, and a general account of his hfe has been given in connection 
■with his father's family. 

[Woodbridge, Rev. Wm. C, son of the preceding, graduated at Yale, 
1811, the Geographer, is also spoken of in the same place.] 

Wright, Rev. James L., son of Joseph Wright, was graduated at Yale, 
1832, He studied Theology, and is now engaged in the duties of his pro- 
fession as a Congregational Minister. 

Wright, Deac. Joseph, son of James, b. Sept., 1785, was graduated at 
Yale, 1801. On his return from College, he devoted himself to agriculture, 



218 

which he continues to the present time. He is one of the Deacons of the 
First Congregational Church. 

Wright, Kev. William S., son of the preceding, and brother of the 
one next preceding, was graduated at Yale, 1839. He studied Theology, 
and is devoting himself to the duties of his profession, as a Congrec^ational 
Minister. 



§\uinHxi 



CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, 



MAY 18, 1853, 



ORDER OF EXERCISES 



THE PRAYERS OFFERED, HYMNS SJJNG, SENTIMENTS GIVEN, AND 

SPEECHES MADE, SO FAR AS REPORTS OF THEM 

COULD BE OBTAINED. 



|)ttbli0l)clr bs (Drlrcr of tl)c Citijcns. 



At a meeting of the citizens of Glastenbury, held on Monday evening, 
May 23d, 1853, it was— 

Voted, That the Kev. A. B. Chapin, Edwin Crosby and James B. Wil- 
liams, be a Committee to report the proceedings of the late Centennial 
Celebration, and that they be directed to publish the same, with the discourse, 
or separate, in pamphlet form, as they think best. 



PROCEEDINGS. 



At a town meeting held at Glastenbury on the first Monday of October, 
1861, it 



Voted, That a Committee be appointed to make arrangements for a Cen- 
tennial Celebration to be held in the Spring or Summer of 1853. 

Whereupon, the following gentlemen, descendants of the early settlers of 
the town, were appointed : 

John A. Hale, Esq., Chairman, a descendant of Samuel Hale, Thomas 
Welles, John Talcott, John Edwards, etc., early settlers of Wethersfield and 
Glastenbury, and landholders in Glastenbury. 

Thaddeus Welles, Esq., a descendant of Thomas Welles, Thomas 
Kilborn, Samuel Hale, etc., early settlers of Wethersfield and Glastenbury, 
and landholders in Glastenbury. 

Deac. George Plummer, a descendant of Thomas Welles, through the 
Sheltons of Stratford, and Ebenezer Plummer, Esq., who came here from 
Boston, a century ago. 

Deac. Joseph Wright, a descendant of Thomas Wright, Robert Rose, 
Samuel Hale, etc., early settlers in Wethersfield and Glastenbury, and land- 
holders in Glastenbury. 

Andrew Talcott Hale, a descendant from Samuel Hale, Thomas 
Kilborn, John Talcott and John Hollister, etc., early settlers in Wethers- 
field and Glastenbury, and landholders in Glastenbury. 

Jared G. Talcott, a descendant of John Talcott, John Hollister, 
Thomas Wright, etc., early settlers in Wethersfield and Glastenbury, and 
landholders in Glastenbury. 

Henry Titus Welles, Esq., a descendant of the Governors, Thomas 
Welles, Joseph Haynesand Gurdon Saltonstall, the first of whom was a land- 
holder in Glastenbury. 



222 

Hekry Dayton, Esq., a descendant of George Hubbard, one of the 
original proprietors of the Naubuc Farms, and who was the ancestor of all 
of the name in town. Also, from William House, one of the petitioners for 
the incorporation of Glastenbury. The Dayton family came to this country 
about a century ago. 

Charles Hollister, a descendant of John Hollister, Thomas Welles, 
Richard Treat, Mr. Goodrich, etc., early settlers of Wethersfield and Glas- 
tonbury, and landholders in Glastenbury. 

Edwin S. Treat, a descendant of Richard Treat. 

Leonard E. Hale, a descendant of Samuel Hale. 

WiLLARD E. Howe, a descendant of John Howe, who came to Glasten- 
bury something more than a century ago, and also of John HoUister, one of 
the original jjroprietors and settlers. 

At a meeting of this Committee, held April 12th, 1852, it was — 

Resolved, That the 18th of May, 1653, being the day when the first cor- 
porate power was bestowed upon the people on this side of the Connecticut 
river, the 18th of May, 1853, was the proper day for such celebration, and 
that it be held on that day. 

At the same meeting — 

Voted, That the Rev. A. B. Chapin, of Glastonbury, be requested to pre- 
pare an Historical Discourse to be delivered on the occasion. Also — 

Voted, That Messrs. John A. Hale, Thaddeus Welles, Andrew T. Hale, 
Henry T. Welles, Charles Hollister, and Willard E. Howe, be appointed a 
Committee to aid Mr. C. in the collection of materials for a complete history 
of the town. 

The appointment of the Committee having been accepted by Mr. Chapin, 
circulars were sent to all parts of the country where the descendants of the 
first settlers of Glastenbury were known to reside, informing them of what 
had been undertaken, soliciting their cooperation, and asking information on 
points touching the history of the town or famihes. As the time of the cele- 
bration approached, meetings of the citizens were held, and Committees ap- 
pointed to make preparations for the public entertainment of su(yh as might 
be present on that occasion, and proper officers to direct and preside at the 
time. 

At length the day arrived and was all that could be wished. The ground 
was dry, the air warm, and the sun overshadowed through the day, rendering 
it safe and comfortable for persons of all ages, sexes and descriptions, to re- 
pair to " the Meeting House Green," there to listen to the discourse of the 
Orator, under tlic large, (but on this occasion, not ample) tent belonging to 
Yale College, which had been kindly loaned for this purpose, or regale them- 
selves upon the abounding luxuries which had been provided for the cclebra- 



223 

tion. The day was ushered in by the firing of a National Salute of thirty- 
one guns, and the merry peal of all the church bells. 

In accordance ■with an invitation from the inhabitants of the town, to all 
who were descendants of the settlers of Glastenbury, to meet with them in a 
happy reunion on this occasion, a great crowd was gathered together, who 
were welcomed home with open arms and happy hearts, by the present resi- 
dents of this ancient town. At a very early hour of the day, the people of the 
adjacent towns came pouring in, to mingle their joys with those of their 
friends and" neighbors. All sectional, sectarian and selfish feelings were laid 
aside, and all entered into the matter with zeal. The generous hospitality 
of the inhabitants of the town was exemplified on this occasion. Every house 
was thrown open, and every visitor, whether an acquaintance or a stranger, 
was welcomed. At every fresh arrival, little groups of friends could be seen, 
shaking hands and congratulating each other on their safe arrival and the 
enjoyment of health, and we doubt if there ever was gathered together a 
crowd, estimated at from six to seven thousand people, as there was here, 
where every countenance beamed with smiles, and every hp spoke such a 
hearty welcome. 

At 10 o'clock, A. M., a Procession was formed in front of the North Con- 
gregational Church, under the direction of Henry Dayton, Esq., Chief 
Marshall, assisted by Col. Guy Samson, Edwin Crosby, Charles Hol- 
LisTER, Joseph Strickland, Willard E. Howe, Edwin Hubbard, 
F. L. BuELL, D. L. Hubbard and Elisha Hollister, in the following 
order : 

Hartford Brass Band. 
Naubuc Guards, Capt. Goodale. 
School Boys in uniform, each bearing a flag with the Indian name 
of Naubuc painted thereon. 
A beautiful and appropriate banner painted for the occasion by 
John n. Taylor, Esq. 
Company in Ancient Uniform under the command of Col. Elijah Miller. 
Mr. William S. Williams on Horseback, in costume of the seventeenth cen- 
tury, accompanied by Mrs. Mary Perkins seated on the pillion, 
after the old style, and dressed in a corresponding 
antiquated and ancient costume. 
Next to them, came Mr. and Mrs. John Dayton 
on horseback, in riding dress of the present day, presenting a 
contrast extremely interesting and pleasing. 
Then followed a long line of Ladies. 
The Orator, and Officiating Clergymen. 
President and Vice President of the day. 
Governor and State Officers. 

Invited Guests. ^ 

Connecticut Historical Society. 



224 

The rear was brought up by an immensely long line of carriages. 

The processsion marched first to the north, in order to obtain room to 
form, then countermarching south, proceeded down Main street, the " old 
country road" of the Naubuc Farms, and to the east end of the " Meeting 
House Green," where the tent had been erected, and where as many as 
could, obtained seats. Over the principal entrance to the tent was the motto, 
"Welcome Home," worked in evergreen, the emblem of undying affection. 
Over the platform of the Speaker was our State motto, " Qui transtulit sus- 
tinet" similarly wrought. Other appropriate mottoes decorated other por 
tions of the tent. 

The services of the day were commenced by the choir, under the direction 
of John W. Smith, aided by the Band, by singing the following 



IVords altered from M. S. Pike. Air — Home Again. 

Welcome home ! Welcome home ! 

From a distant land. 
And oil it fills our hearts with joy, 

To meet this kindred band. 

Here w^e dropp'd the parting tear 

When first you left to roam. 
But now you're once again with those 

Who kindly greet you home. 

Happy hearts ! Happy hearts ! 

With mine have laughed in glee, 
But oh the friends I loved in youth 

Seem happier to me : 

And if your guide decree a fate. 

Which bids you longer roam, 
Yet death alone, can break the tie, 

Linked with our friends from home. 

Music soft ! Music sweet ! 

Lingers round the place. 
And oh, I feel the childhood charm, 

That time cannot eflace. 

Then welcome to your homestead roof, 

Although no palace dome ; 
And we will spend this happy day 

With those we love at home. 

PRAYER, 

By Rev. James All wood Smith, Pastor of the First Congregational 
Church, '■'■Old" Glastenhurij. 

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. We adore thee 
as the God of Creation and Providence. In thee we move and live and have 
our being, and by the word of thy power do all things consist. We bless 
th* , that thou hast revealed thyself to us in thy word and made us acquaint- 
ed with thy redeeming love in Christ Jesus, thy only beloved Son, and hast 



225 

provided us In the Holy Ghost whom thou hast sent into the world, a sanc- 
tifier, comforter and guide. We humbly ask thy presence and blessing on 
this interesting occasion. We rejoice in thee as the God of our Fathers, 
and devoutly do we bless thee, for that kind Providence with which thou didst 
guide them to the shores of this our New England, and to these seats now 
occupied by many of their descendants ; and for that goodness which pro- 
tected and sustained them amid the labors, the privation, sufferings and ex- 
posures of the wilderness; and for that wise spirit of devotion, with which 
they were endowed, to the interests of freedom and religion ; guided by 
which spirit, they took care, from the earliest settlement of this place, that 
the gospel should be preached to all and instruction In all useful knowledge 
should be provided for the young. And we bless thee, that from that early 
settlement, whose anniversary we this day celebrate, the institutions of the 
gospel,' together with the blessings of the common school, have been enjoyed, 
with so much freedom from interruption or molestation, down through the 
successive generations, until the present. May the remembrances which are 
awakened in us at this time, of the deeds which they wrought, of the heroic 
fortitude with which they endured the trials incident to the great enterprize 
of planting those blessed institutions enjoyed by us, endear their memory to 
us, and make us emulous of these virtues, while they shall greatly strengthen 
our desires to transmit the Inheritance to coming generations. Here may 
the gospel be preached to all ; sound knowledge and useful learning be 
taught to the young, and civil and religious freedom be enjoyed through all 
coming time, and each generation as they come upon the stage of life, act their 
part wisely and devotedly, in promoting human welfare and the great Inter- 
ests of the Redeemer's kingdom in the earth. 

Bless all persons assembled on this occasion, those who have had their 
birth here ; those who have become adopted citizens of the place. Bless our 
Invited guests, with all who have sought to promote the enjoyment and profit 
of the anniversary. May it please thee to regard our Governor, with all who 
are associated with him in the exercise of legislative, judicial, or executive 
authority, that through their wisdom and faithfulness, freedom and good order 
and prosperity may abound among the people, and the affairs of oar happy 
Commonwealth receive no detriment. May the smiles of Prcfvldence rest 
upon all branches of Industry and honest labor among the peojile. May the 
blessing of God be on all who pray for the prosperity of religion and virtue ; 
on all who labor In the cause of Christian phllanthrophy. May the spirit be 
poured out from on High, purifying His Church and people. Invigorating 
their graces and strengthening them for every good work, and securing us 
from every Incoming flood of iniquity. And may the knowledge of Christ to 
all, be the savor of life unto life. 

We pray for our common country ; thanking thee for all our prosperltj^ 
and for all the success thus far attending our free institutions as they have 
been extended over this widely spreading land. We connnend to thy gra- 
cious notice, the Chief Magistrate of the nation. Endue him with all grace 
and wisdom for the responsibilities of his exalted station. May peace and 
charity, civil subordination and order, ever prevail within our borders. Avert 
pestilence, spare deserved judgments. Remove every yoke, and let the op- 
pressed go free. Incline all to be merciful, even as their Father in Heaven 
Is merciful, and to forgive as He forgives. INIay our National Union be pre- 
served, and our liberty be kept Inviolate. ]\lay we dwell In peace with all 
the nations of the earth. Cause that our civil and religious blessings may be 
everywhere possessed and enjoyed. Hear the sighing of the prisoners in all 
lands. Remember those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake ; who are 
crushed by despotic power; who wear out their days under systems of un- 
righteous servitude ; who pant for the pure air of civil and religious free- 
dom. Speed on the day of their deliverance. Bring all people to know 

15 



226 

thee and Jesus Christ whom thou sent, — " whom to know is Life Eternal." 
Let thy kingdom come, and thy will be done on Earth as it is done in Heaven, 
and the glory shall be given to thee, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, 
world without end. Amen. 

SINGING— Hymn. 

Tune. — Land of our Fathers. 

Land of our Fathers ; wheresoe'er we roam, 
Land of our birth ! to us thou still art home ; 
Peace and prosperity on thy sons attend, 
Down to posterity their influence descend 

All then inviting, hearts and voices joining, 
Sing we in harmony our native land, 
Our native land, Our native land, 
Our native land, Our native land. 

Though other climes may brighter hopes fulfil, 
Land of our birth ! we ever love thee still ! 
Heav'n shield our happy home, from each hostile band, 
Freedom and plenty ever crown our native land. 

All then inviting, hearts and voices joining. 
Sing we in harmony our native land. 
Our native land. Our native land. 
Our native land, Our native land. 

HISTORICAL DISCOURSE by Rev. A. B. Chapin, D. D., Rector of 
St. Luke's Church, South Glastenbury. At the announcement made by 
the Orator found on page 3 7, of the preceding Discourse, the choir aided 
by the Band sung as it were impromptu, the following Hymn composed for 
the occasion. 

HYMN. 

Words by the Hon. James Dixon. 

Air. — Pleyel's Hymn. 

When to this wild forest land. 

Wrapt in clouds of gloom and woe. 
Sad, yet firm, the Pilgrim band 

Came — Two Hundred years ago, — 

Bearing from their native coasts, 

Souls that bowed not to the yoke; 
With the Charter Freedom boasts. 

Hidden in their hearts of Oak ; — 

•^ Dream'd they that a Nation here. 

Proudest of the earth should rise. 
Planted in distress and fear, 

'Mid their ceaseless tears and sighs ! 

Oh ! could diey have look'd beyond 

Years of anguish, pain and care. 
Making iron hearts despond. 

To this hour of praise and prayer, — 



227 

How would they have gazed with awe, 

Mingled with a deep delight, 
Doubting if the thing they saw, 

Were but visions of tlie night : 

Meadows green and happy vales, 

Hills with holy temples crown'd, 
Rivers white with snowy sails, 

Cities where the forest frown'd ; 

Towering spires and lofty halls. 

Rising where the Indian trod. 
And M'ithin these sacred walls, 

Praises to the living God ! 

Unto Him who brought them here, 

'Mid the gloom of other days, 
We their children bow in fear. 

Offering thus our songs of praise. 

After the close of the Discourse, which was delivered rather by synopsis 
than as written, and occupied an hour and three quarters in the delivery, 
the choir sung the following Hymn composed for the occasion. 

HYMN. 

Words by Mrs. L. H. SiaotJRNEY, 

Air. — Auld iMtig Syne. 

Two hundred years ! Two hundred years ! 

What fhanges have they seen, 
Since the red hunter chas'd the deer 

O'er copse and valley green, 

While countless cares and toils were met 

In faith and patience bold. 
Though round our few and feeble States 

The appalling war-cloud roll'd. 

Since o'er yon stream with stranger saii 

A vessel vvoo'd the breeze. 
And up the corn sheaf sparsely sprang 

Among the fallen trees. 

But now, — a Banian root they strike. 

By Heaven's own smile tustain'd 
And schools and spires and cities tower 

Where erst the Indian reiga'd. 

And 'mid the nations of the earth 

A noble name they bear ? 
And homage to the Power Supreme 

Incites their grateful prayer, 

God of our sires ! — whose high decree 

Unnumber'd worlds obey, 
Before wlio^e sight, a thousand years 

Are counted as a day. 

Vouchsafe to these, our banded realms 

That stretch from sea to sea, — 
The diamond shield of patriot love 

And dauntless strength from Thee. 



228 

In order that all denominations of Christians in the Town, should partici- 
pate in the services of the day, it had been arranged that the Rev. Samuel 
Fox, the Preacher in charge of the Methodist Church of East Glastenbury, 
should make the concluding Prayer, which he was prevented from doing by 
ill health, as appears from the following. 

East Glastenbury, May 17th, 1853. 
To the President of the Glastenbury Cen. Celehration. 

Dear Sir : — It Is with great reluctance, I have come to the conclusion to 
be absent from the Centenlal Celebration of to-morrow. The state of my 
health however, is such, that I am obliged to decline. 

I had anticipated much pleasure in participating with our Citizens and 
their invited guests In the exercises and festivities of the day. I have as you 
know warmly approbated the plan itself — the preliminary arrangements have 
given me assurance of a festive day of no ordinary character. And I have 
no doubt that you who share in its enjoyments, will remember it among the 
bright days of your lives. 

I have just one relieving thought in connection with my position — my 
presence or absence will not affect the enjoyments of the day — the privation 
will only reach me. 

With no ordinary feelings of regret I remain. 

Yours Respectfully, 

SAMUEL FOX. 

PRAYER by Rev. Albert Hale, of Springfield, Illinois, a native of 
Glastenbury, son (1) of (2) Matthew, (3) Doct. Ellzur, (4) Jonathan, (5) 
Samuel, (6) Samuel. 

Our Father who art In heaven, we thank thee for this joyful, and Impres- 
sive occasion. We praise thy name that we stand here, gathered from ditf'er- 
ent and distant parts, at our home and the home of our fathers, amidst the 
memories of the two past centuries. We would devoutly acknowledge the 
hand of God, which directed, sustained and blessed our fathers when they plant- 
ed here the foundations of society. We thank thee for that deeply Interesting 
history, portions of the narrative of which, have just been read In our hear- 
ing. Above all do we praise thee for the pure, truthful, Chi'Istian principles 
of our ancestors, the source of all the personal, domestic, civil and religious 
privileges of their descendants to the present time, and of all our cherished 
hopes for the future. We owe It to thee our Father in heaven, that from 
the earliest periods of this place, no power has ever been permitted to pre- 
vent the free access of all the people to the open fountains of truth — the 
sacred Scriptures, the light which guides men into the paths of peace, holi- 
ness and salvation. AVe bless thy name, that here the sanctuary and tlic 
school-house have stood side by side, pouring the blessings of knowledge and 
religion upon the people. We rejoice In the Lord, to-day, in the accumula- 
ted blessings and privileges, the fruit of the virtue, the piety and the toils of 
past generations. And while we thus rejoice, and gratefully praise God for 
his manifold goodness to our fathers and to us their children, may we not be 
unmindful of the solemn truth, tliat of those to whom nuxch is given, much 
will be required. May the rich inlicritance. Thou hast bestowed on us, the 
fruit of the principles, the labors and the sacrifices of those who liave gone 
before us, be preserved and transmitted, unimpaired by us, to our oifspring, 
and to all who shall come after us. To all coming generations, may the peo- 
ple of this place be distinguished for a deep, intelligent, practical love of truth 
and righteousness; and may every institution, social, civil, and religious, 



229 

which benefits and adorns human society, be sustained here till time shall be 
no more. The Lord bless and keep us. The Lord preserve us from all evil, 
and admit us all at last to the abodes of the blessed in heaven, through Jesus 
Christ, to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be praise everlasting. 
Amen. 

BENEDICTION, by Rev. Thomas Robbins, D. D., of the Connecti- 
cut Historical Society. 

The line being again formed, marched to the Town Hall, at the west end 
of the Green, outside of which long tables were erected, under tents, and 
shaded by the evergreen. These tables were enclosed that none but the Com- 
mittee of one hundred (which had to be augmented to two hundred,) could 
have access to them, in order to save confusion in waiting upon the crowd ; 
and we doubt much if ever such a multitude was filled with good things 
in a more orderly and quiet manner. All were supplied, and enough was 
left to feed many more. This surplus was distributed to the poor, and we 
think it may be safely said, that there was one time in this town, when every 
inhabitant was happy and cheerful. The tables were decorated with beauti- 
ful bouquets and wreaths of flowers, and presented an inviting appearance, 
speaking well for the fine taste and exertions of the Committee of Ladies, 
who had this matter in charge. The dining tents were also adorned with 
mottoes perpetuating the memory of the Indian names of places still re- 
maining. 

After the dinner, the crowd was called to order by 

Thaddeus Welles, Esq., President of the day ; who was assisted by 
Joseph Wright, Jedidiah Post, Wm. C. Sparks, Benjamin Taylor, 
Leonard E. Hale and George Merrick, as Vice Presidents ; when the 
following regular toasts were read, and each was received by cheers from the 
crowd, and music by the Bands : 

1. The President of the United States. 

2. May 18th, 1653. 

3. The Pioneers of Glastenhury. They ventured in faith, toiled with pa- 
tience, and died in hope. Our prosperity is the crown of their labors. 

4. Glastonbury in the Father-land. Venerable for antiquity, first born in 
Britain to the Christian faith — rich in saint and hero. We are proud to de- 
rive our name from so illustrious a protonym. 

5. The Indians of Glastenhury. They bade the white stranger welcome, 
gave him the pipe of peace, and kept their hands unstained by his blood ; and 
when their last survivor passed to the " spirit land," his pathway was smooth- 

-ed by the white man's charities. 

6. Wethersfeld. The venerable mother of this rejoicing daughter. 

7. The Governor of the State of Connecticut. 
Governor Seymour responded by giving the following — 
Glastenhury. May its future history present as fair a record of worthy 

deeds, noble sacrifices for the public good, and patriotic actions, as the past 
has this day disclosed. 

8. The Natives of Glastenhury and the descendants of Natives, resident 
abroad and present on this occasion. We welcome the one to the scenes of 
their childhood and home of their earliest afiection. We greet the other as 



230 

brethren of a common ancestry ; in honor of whom with us they join in 
celebrating this day. 

9. The Connecticut Historical Society. The Guardian Genius of the Past — 
under its benign auspices the generations of the dead are made to live 
again, and their names and deeds endued with perpetual remembrance. 

Remarks of Hon. Thomas Day, President of the Connecticut Historical 
Society. 

Mr. President : — 

In behalf of the Connecticut Historical Society, I thank you for rememb.er- 
ing that Institution on this occasion. The announcement of your intended 
celebration was received by us with much interest, and the proceedings of 
this day have been witnessed by such of us as have had the privilege of be- 
ing present, with much satisfaction, and have met our entire approbation. 

We think the thought of celebrating the day, was a happy one, and that 
it has been most successfully carried out. We especially admire the research 
and ability, with which the orator of the day has accomplished the laborious and 
instructive duty which devolved on him. Though some of us had previous- 
ly given our attention to the history of the early settlements on Connecticut 
river, and had studied the conduct and characters of the distinguished men 
who made them — particularly in the town of Wethersfield — we find that our 
researches were far too much restricted, being confined principally, to the 
right bank of the river. We are now taught, that a rich mine of historic lore 
exists on the other side of the river, and that the diggings there are worth 
looking at. 

But the orator of the day, deserving as he is of all commendation, is not 
the only figure in the celebration meriting our regard. There were other 
heads and hands busily engaged for our benefit and entertainment ; some ar- 
ranging the proceedings ; others illustrating the manners and customs of for- 
mer times, among whom our ancient goodman astride his sorrel mare, and his 
fair dame on the pillion behind, are worthy of particular notice ; and the 
next airing the worthy couple take, may we be there to see — and others, not 
a few or idle, who furnished the bountiful repast, and prompted the flow of 
soul. 

The whole subject is so suggestive and exciting, that it is not safe or prop- 
er for an individual to occupy much of the short time that remains. On a 
review of the whole, the sons and daughters of Glastenbury will long remem- 
ber this celebration, as well they may, with pride and satisfaction. 

10. The Orator of the Day. 

11. " The Nutmeg State." The spice of the Republic. 

12. The Heroes of our Colonial and Rerolutionary Days. 

13. The Church and School. The soul and mind of the State. 

14. Public Education. A public interest, and a public charge. 

15. The Mothers and Daughters of the Past and the Present. Whose la- 
bors and toils prepared the way for this day's festive joy, and the means of 
its delightful enjoyment 

VOLUNTEER TOASTS. 

By John A. Hale, Esq. Union and Harmony. As the streams gush- 
ing from the hills of Minnechaug, Kongscut, Nipsic, Wassuc, Naubuc and 
Nayaug, meet and mingle and How on in harmony down the peaceful Con- 
necticut, so should we the citizens of these hills, meeting and mingling, flow 
on in harmony down the stream of life. 

By Dr. Childs. Old Glastenbury. God bless her — " she never did bet- 



231 

ter." May her Hales never fall — her Welles never fail — and if her Wrights 
should ever be wrong, may she never want a Smith to mend them. 

By Rev. F. W. Chapman. The Historian of Glaslenhuinj. Indefatigable 
in his efforts to prepare an interesting and valuable history of the town ; 
may he be amply rewarded by an extensive and rapid sale of the work when 
it comes from the press. 

Anomjmous. To the Presiding Officer and his Assistants: Howe is it pos- 
ible for you to fail of success in the future any more than in the past, since you 
have by your side Po,s?s of firmness, Welles of de^pth and clearness; Smiths, 
Taylors, Millers and Carters, sufficient for all needful purposes, with men 
Strong and Hale as Sampson, to stay the vicious ; not to speak of the men of 
Gaines and Goodriches, all of whom, or Mosely, (mostly,) are known to be 
Wright. 

The following letter with the accompanying toast was received by the 
Chairman of the Committee from the Rev. S. H. Riddel, formerly Pastor of 
the First Congregational Church in Glastenbury. 

Letter from the Rev. Mr. Riddel. 

Boston, May 16, 1853. 
John A. Hale, Esq. : — 

Dear Sir : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your polite 
note of invitation to be present and participate in the ceremonies of the Cen- 
tennial Celebration of the town of Glastenbury, on the 18th instant. It would 
give me the sincerest pleasure, did circumstances admit of my being ab- 
sent from my engagements in this city at that time, to embrace so desirable 
an opportunity of meeting with the friends, with whom, during ten years, (the 
most interesting and pleasant of my Hfe,) I was once associated as a fellow- 
citizen, in those relations of peculiar intimacy and responsibility pertaining 
to the Pastoral and Ministerial Functions. It had not occurred to me, until 
within a day or two previous to the receipt of your invitation, when I was in- 
cidentally informed of the fact, that the Second Centennial period of the 
settlement of Glastenbury was so near at hand ; nor that the purpose had 
been entertained of commemoratinc the event by a public celebration. That 
purpose is one which I most fully approve, and which, if time admitted of my 
making any practicable arrangements to that effect, I should be most happy 
to assist, in any humble measure in my power, in carrying into execution. I 
regret exceedingly that it is otherwise ; and that I am obliged to forego the 
pleasure of being present on the occasion, and sharing in the " Feast of Rea- 
son and the Flow of Soul," with which it will be hallowed. When standing 
thus at the goal where centuries complete their circuit, and listening to the 
voices that come swelling down from a venerable antiquity, our minds expe- 
rience sentiments of sublimity and sacred awe, which nothing else that is 
earthly can so much inspire. Among the memories which will be gathered 
into the day you celebrate, I am persuaded that, with so high-minded and vir- 
tuous a people, an honorable and grateful recognition will be given to those 
which flourish over the dust of a long succession of the Ministers of Christ, 
who have served their several generations, and rested from their labors 
among you. 'To their faithful labors, in the different Christian denomina- 
tions with which they have stood connected, in preaching the Gospel of (he 
Grace of God; in founding and rearing up the Churches; in fostering the 
interests of Popular Education; and in cherishing the spirit of an independ- 
ent, and at the same time, a just and law-abiding Civil Liberty among the 
people ; the present, and all coming generations, will be happy to acknowl- 
edge themselves indebted. 

Could I be present, dear sir, and join with you and the numerous com- 
pany with whom you will be associated in the rational festivities of this your 



232 

second Centennial Celebration, I should beg leave, in the spirit of profound 
deference and veneration, to offer as a sentiment — 

The Memory of the Early Ministers of Glastenbury. Like the influence of 
their Doctrines and Example — Immortal on Earth. 

Very respectfully and truly yours, 

SAMUEL H. RIDDEL. 
To J. A. Hale, Esq., Chairman of Com. of Arrangements. 

The following letter -was received from Hon. Charles H. Pond, Lieu- 
tenant Governor of the State : 

Hartford, May 18th, 1853. 

Dear Sir : — Your polite invitation to attend the Centennial Celebration 
of Glastenbury, was duly received ; my answer has been deferred until this 
morning in the hope that I should be able to share in person the pleasures of 
this interesting occasion. Many and varied events and incidents occur in 
reviewing the centennial history of a town, which interest not only its own 
citizens, but interest those who like to hear and see the evidences of the pros- 
perity of their fellow-citizens. I also hoped to have had the pleasure of meet- 
ing in your assemblage many valued friends; but I now find that circum- 
stances will deny me the anticipated enjoyments. But, although I can not 
enjoy a personal participation of these pleasures, yet, I trust I shall have an 
opportunity of reading the doings and sayings of your celebration. Accept 
my thanks for your invitation ; should a chance off'er, you can present this as 
my sentiment : 

Glastenbury Celebration of 1853. May the blessings of your anniversary 
be increased a hundred fold at your celebration in 1953. 
With great respect, your friend, 

CHARLES H. POND. 
To John A.Hale, Esq., Chairman, &c. 

The following letter was also received by the Chairman of the Committee 
from — 

Reuben C. Hale, Esq., Surveyor of the Port of Philadelphia, whose father 
was a native of Glastenbury ; son of (2) Elias W., (3) Gideon, (4) Benja- 
min, (5) Samuel, (6) Samuel. 

Philadelphia, May 14, 1853. 
Dear Sir : — I had anticipated much pleasure in attending your Centen- 
nial Celebration on the 18th instant, but the term of our Supreme Court 
commences on the 19th, and professsional engagements will prevent me from 
being present. 

Glastenbury has always held a warm place in my heart. IVIy father, Elias 
W. Hale, was born there, and my first visit to the old homestead was in his 
company many years since, when he met three brothers and three sisters. 
The lights and shadows of a quarter of a century have since swept along, and 
our fathers are in their graves; but one of the seven is left. There is to me 
a mournful pleasure in recalling my early impressions of the dear old town : 
its green meadows and sandy hills ; its sunny brooks and arching elms ; its 
pleasant walks and hospitable firesides, remain now as they were then, for 
railroads and canals have spared them. In vain, however, as I occasionally 
return and pass along the familiar street, do I look for many of those dear 
friends who then formed so bright a part in the picture. The old are in their 
graves, and the young, who are not sleeping by their side, are treading the 



233 

busy pathway of life. But still, I love to drive down the sandy street. I 
meet some of the acquaintance of former years, and though their hair may 
have grown grey, and their cheeks furrowed, I find their hearts are as warm 
as in the sunny days of youth. 

I should like to be with you on the joyous occasion, to meet your " fair 
women and brave men ;" but it may not be. With the sincere hope that the 
interesting occasion may be one of unmarred joy and happiness, 
I remain, very respectfully, 

K. C. HALE. 

To John A. Hale, Esq., Chairman, &c. 

The following fetter to the Chairman of the Committee, is from the Hon. 
James T. Hale, of Bellefonte, Penn. ; son of (2) Reuben, (3) Gideon (4) 
Benjamin, (5) Samuel, (G) Samuel. 

Bellefonte, May 5th 1853. 

Dear Sir : — Your letter inviting me to be present at the Centennial 
Celebration of the settlement of the town of Glastenbury, has been duly re- 
ceived. It would aflbrd me sincere pleasure to accept the invitation and if 
previous engagements which can not be postponed or neglected, did not pre- 
vent me, I should certainly do so. I feel a lively interest in all that pertains 
to the land of my Fathers ; am proud to call myself a Yankee, although born 
out of the limits of your State, and I trust no son of Glastenbury, whether 
born within its limits or not, may ever do aught to sully the fair fame of his 
ancestors ; may ever forget the land which gave them birth, or cease to be 
influenced by the remembrance of those virtues which have laid deep and 
strong, the foundations of its prosperity, and have made jNew England the 
" Pride and Pattern of the Earth." 

Hif hly appreciating the motives which have induced you to celebrate this 
anniversary, and wishing you the highest pleasure in its observance, 
I remain, yours truly, 

JAMES T. HALE. 

To John A. Hale, Esq., Chairman, &c. 

After leaving the table, various gentlemen were called upon for toasts, 
who responded with a sentiment and a speech. These are given so far as 
the Committee have been able to obtain reports of them. 

The Hon. John M. Niles, of Hartford, being called upon, responded : 

Mr. President: — 

I am here, sir, as as an invited guest, not being a native of " Old Glasten- 
bury," but of a neighboring town in this valley, which bears the same, or as 
some think, an earlier date. On the call of the President, I will preface 
the sentiment I have to offer by a few suggestions. In what I have witness- 
ed here to-day, and at this moment in casting my eye over this vast assem- 
blage, I feel that this occasion is one of unusual and of solemn interest ; an 
occasion that could not have occurred but once before since the settlement of 
the town, and which cannot occur again until the Iffpse of a century, when 
the vast multitude now before me will have passed away. It is an occasion 
which has brought together the whole population of this ancient town, and 
many of its sons and daughters who at difierent periods have left the green 
spot that gave them birth, and sought a home in other parts of our broad 
country, more or less remote. And many of those who have closed their 
earthly pilgrimage, are represented here by their children, and their child- 
ren's children. Many of the inhabitants of that division of the original town 
west of the river, are here, and also from other neighboring towns. The oc- 



234 

casion directs the mind to the past ; to a review of the history of this ancient 
and first settlfcment in this beautiful valley ; of the seed scattered by the Pil- 
grims in the wilderness, which fell not on stony ground, but took root in a 
fertile soil, and has produced an abundant harvest, unequalled in the annals 
of colonization, in any age or country. In the admirable address we have 
listened to, our memories have been refreshed by a recital of many facts, 
showing the difficulties, privations and struggles Of our Pilgrim Fathers, who 
first planted the seeds of civilization and Christianity in this valley, and with 
these, were planted the seeds of freedom, with the Puritan strictness of morals. 
The momentous results of this little valley settlement of only three towns, in 
a political, social and religious point of view, who can fully comprehend ? 
Who can declare the extent of its influence on the destiny of this great 
country, now stretching from ocean to ocean ? Those Pilgrims had no con- 
ception of what were to be the fruits of the work in which they were engaged. 
Whilst seeking only security for their religion and the enjoyment of civil 
freedom for themselves and their children, they were laying the foundations 
of a free Republic, such as the sun has never shone upon, and introducing a 
new phase of civilization. Surely the hand of Providence must have been 
in this enterprise ! The subject Is too vast, and I forbear ; besides, few can 
hear my voice. 

We iiave before us unmistakabfe evidence of some of the fruits of this new 
phase of civilization, religion, freedom and morals. This evidence is the as- 
sembled multitude around me. It has been my fortune to have witnessed 
many large assemblages of people in our own and in other countries, but I 
have never seen such an assemblage as this out of New England ; nor do I 
believe such a one can be gathered together in any other part of the world. 
Here are neither Patricians nor Plebeians, Lords nor Serfs ; titled rank nor 
hereditary degradation, the trappings of overgrown wealth nor the squalid- 
ness of poverty ; nor the " proud man's contumely" nor the servility S^ the 
poor. Here, after the lapse of two centuries, we see some of the fruits of 
the institutions and principles of religion, freedom, morals and education of 
the first settlers of this valley. But these fruits are not now confined to this 
locality. The three towns constituting the valley settlements, were the germs 
of the Commonwealth. And when the State was settled, the enterprize of 
this people led them beyond its borders; first, up the valley, planting them- 
selves in old Hampshire and Berkshire counties in Massachusetts; then 
further on into Vermont and New Hampshire. Vermont was the first child 
of Connecticut. They then penetrated West, planting themselves on the 
Hudson, Mohawk and in Western New York, and reaching Ohio, they took 
exclusive possession of a large district of that State. Connecticut is in Ohio, 
and Avhere may you not find It ? Is it not in Michigan, in northern Illinois, 
in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota? And if you pass the Rocky Mountains, 
you will find it on the shores of the Pacific. This little settlement in this val- 
ley, became a germ of States — the seed of a great people. 

And wherever the sons of Connecticut have gone, they have taken their 
principles, morals and social habits with them, to which they have steadfastly 
adhered, and caused them to take root on the rivers and prairies of the West, 
and even in the more Ijard and stony soil of the Atlantic cities. Without 
indulging further the thoughts that press on the mind, I ofi'er as a senti- 
ment — 

77*6 Three First Towns in this Valley, Windsor, Hartford and Wethersjield. 
The germ of our Commonwealth — the seed which has been scattered over 
our broad country, and never yet found a soil where it did not take root and 
produce an abundant harvest. 



235 

The Rev. Isaac Wm. Plummee, a native of Glastenbury, being called 
upon said, — 

Mr. President of the Day: 

You have called me up unexpectedly to offer a sentiment. And on au 
occasion like this, a sentiment should mean a Toast — something " cut and 
dried." And certainly, sir, I have nothing of the kind to give. 

But to a man who has been absent from home and from his friends, a year 
and a half, and who returns to greet them at a festival like this, a sentiment 
is very apt to mean an emotion, and a throb of the heart; and I am not 
ashamed to say that I have sentiments of this kind — more than I could well 
give you. 

And my first sentiment is, that I am very glad to see you all again. I am 
glad to see these invited guests, and these friendly visitors. 

I have shaken hands, and given and received gratulaiions all day ; and 
now, in this public way let me make my salutation to Old Glastenbury, and 
say — I am happy to see you looking so well. 

And there, (pointing at the evergreen motto, " Welcome Home,") Is your 
greeting to me. Your hands and eyes and lips have said it all day, and I 
feel and know that I am welcome home. 

Friends, I cannot easily tell you in this off-hand way, how much this Day 
of Remembrance has done to bring down to me the Living Power and Sig- 
nificance of the Men and the Times that have gone before us — and to make 
me conscious of our Oneness with them. 

We stand here upon the " Green" to day ; we are alive, and breathe the 
upper air ; but how suitable on an occasion like this, and how touching, that 
the Green and the Grave-yard should lie thus side by side. Here, is a living 
throng, above the turf, and like the grass we flourish for a little season. 
There, is another multitude, unseen and silent, beneath the sod ; and the 
stones alone tell their names and their places. But, sir, to us a people, there 
is no other burial-ground like that, in all this world. Not that It is more 
picturesque than others, or more highly adorned : that were as nothing in 
comparison with the fact that it is our Ancestry — and they are our Fore- 
fathers who sleep there. And were we to take with us this thought of our 
oneness with them, and stand above their dust, and look upon their epitaphs, 
it might well startle us to read our own names letter by letter upon their 
tombstones. Indeed, what are we but bone of their bone and flesh of their 
flesh ? Do we not move here in their likeness to day ? Do we not carry 
their faces, and walk with their gait, and look with their expression ? 

And yet, it is not this lineage of the blood, and of the natural life which 
we commemorate by these observances, and chiefly seek to honor. This, is 
but the outside of a something more central, and of deeper consequence. 
By far the better part of our ancestral heritage runs in channels deeper than 
the veins : it runs in the channels of our thinking, if it runs at all. It com- 
municates itself to souls that are kindred to their souls. It circulates through 
minds that can do and dare in this day, and for these times as they dared, 
and as they did in their own day and generation ; minds that can catch the 
living spirit of republican citizenship, and that can foresee, and under 
God can foreordain the more than imperial magnificence of Republican 
Sovereignty, which is yet to be revealed. 

I have mused a little over the question whether we should not honor our 
Fathers best, by remembering that they have not done all the work which 
Freedom has to be done ; and that there are other kinds of freedom besides 
the freedom of the State, yet to be achieved. 

Think only of Laws that sanction Slavery, or that protect Intemperance. 
Think of our system of Public Education not yet truly republicanized. 

And in behalf of each of these three provinces, yet to be gained by con- 



quest to the Realm of Freedom, the God of Liberty is already mustering his 
forces, and choosing his champions. 

And I suppose, sir, that if we look a little farther, we may find still other 
provinces, which are to be annexed to that same realm of Liberty, all in due 
time. For example, perhaps, one of these days we shall feel the need of 
freedom from party spirit. Party spirit — that blind Samson between the two 
pillarif — or worse yet, that heathen giant Polyphemus with his one eye in the 
middle of his forehead — or still worse, that false-birth of a Christian Repub- 
licanism, with its two eyes so given over of God to Judicial Blindness, that it 
can only see that our Party is altogether white, and your Party is altogether 
black. 

And, for another example, possibly the day may come when we shall feel 
the need of freedom from the Spirit of Democracy — that vulgar feeling of 
personal consequence which says, " I am as good as you" — that false and im- 
pudent independence that can see no distinction between Political Equality 
and Personal Equality — between the equality of legal privilege and an 
equality of inward worth ; and which abhors principalities and powers and 
dignities after such a fashion that it forbears to respect any thing, even itself. 
********** 

But, Mr. President, I should be glad to say a few words to show how my 
mind has been kept at work all day, listening, and interpreting to itself, and 
catching the far-off meanings of "these emblems and memorials of ibings 
which have passed from sight, but yet have not passed away. 

What a strange meeting of things near, and of things that are far off. 
What a gathering of similitudes and contrasts : What a singular harmony of 
concords and discords, all blending themselves into one deep, solemn and 
beautiful meaning. 

Why sir ! they made the dawn of the day explode upon us with the shock 
of artillery ; and then, while our startled ears lay and listened for the second 
burst — behold instead, the silvery tongue of the Sabbath bell began its Reci- 
tative of Peace on earth and good will to men. And with such a dialogue 
the drama of the day was opened — cannon and bells — bells and cannon — 
a voice from the battle-field — the reply, from the House of God. 

And then, those mighty banners ! spreading themselves abroad over our 
streets, that they might be as a covering and a defence to our place and 
people. 

It could not have been expected, I know, that I should grow inspired at 
the sight of our poor, tormented star-spangled banner. But then, it happen- 
ed before the muster of the day had begun ; and the banners and I had the 
street all to ourselves : and never as then, did the Flag of our Country tell 
me its story of Sovereignty and Protection, and of the Bravery of a true 
Freedom and a Living Peace. There they floated, wide and high, enwreath- 
ing themselves with the verdure of our Elms ; and every wave seemed slow, 
majestic and silent with recollection : and as I rode beneath their waving 
shadow, other shadows and other waves swept over me — the shadows of the 
Past — the waves of its generations. I thought of the Tide of Time — historj.- 
came to life again — the Memories of two hundred years returned to look me 
in the face, and the very Dead seemed alive. And I said to myself " In truth 
this IS ' Old Gl-astenbury' " — Let us be still and hearken ! 

Thus one side of a new contrast was given to me ; and forthwith the other 
side appeared. For at my next view the Living were there : The Present 
had come forth to spend a day with the Past. 

And verily ! I think I have seen Glastenbury this day : I think that Glas- 
tenbury has looked at herself; and has felt the beatings of her own heart, 
and tlie thrill of life in her veins. Mr. President, ought not that scone to 
have been dagucrrcotyped ! What a picture it would be to show at our next 
Centennial — one hundred years from this day ; where neither you nor I, nor 



237 

any of us shall be. I cannot reproduce that spectacle for you ; I give It up. 
But beaming faces and happy greetings were proof enough that we all en- 
joyed it. And I have alluded to it only because, in the first place, it formed 
the counterpart and contrast to what I was thinking of the hour before ; and, 
in the second place to say that every part and section of the scene had its 
perspective of far-off" significance, and spoke to me in parables. Glance 
your eye along the " Order of Procession," and you perceive at once its rep- 
resentative design. It was history in minature ; in some slight but still suf- 
ficient way, it was the recapitulation of our annals ; a drama of the elements 
of our Public Life. 

Here moved the white haired Fathers ; there an army of boys in uniform. 
each boy bearing his streamer of white — the color of innocence and peace, 
with " Naubuc" for their only motto. Here move the representatives of civil 
authority, In the persons of our Governor and other State oflicers ; there 
the olficial representatives of religion : then, a battalion of soldiery, and 
another battalion of Ladies. Next the Connecticut Historical Society ; and 
last a legion of citizens. Flags and sti-eamers and mottoed banners acted 
well their part ; and the Interchanging music of war and peace gave life and 
regular motion to the whole. 

And, among other parables, have we not seen a parable on horseback 
to-day ? that couple of the seventeenth century on one horse ; and this 
couple of the nineteenth century on a couple of horses. How venerable ! 
looked the seventeenth century on her pillion ! Mrs. Nineteenth Century ! 
can you contrive ever to look as venerable as that ! 

And again, could any man who ever had a thought in his eye, look upon 
that interminable procession, trooping on and on, through these streets usu- 
ally so quiet, and not exclaim — " How like the March of Human Life from 
the centuries gone, onward, into the centuries to come." 

Li the morning I had said, under a solemn retrospect of the past, this is 
Indeed, " Old Glastenbury." I was reminded of it while I gazed upon the 
gathered thousands of our people ; for now I could not but say to myself — 
Old Glastenbury /ooL<t YOUNG. She never looked younger or fairer. She 
makes me think (It will sound foolish I dare say ; but as It was the thought 
of the moment 1 will tell it to you) — she makes me think of a young lady 
in her new Spring bonnet, fresh with ribbons and wreaths : And I fancy 
you can see, sir, that my illustration was not f;xr-fetched ! 

And soberly, is there not a truth in what I am saying that can be sustained 
by the figures of Arithmetic, as well as by figures of speech ? I hear a very 
good report of your affairs. I see tokens of your prosperity that have sprung 
up on every side during the eighteen months of my absence. Are not new 
avenues of industry and enterprise opening themselves to you ? Is not .the 
value of property increasing V Are not houses multiplying ? Are not rents 
high and higher '? People tell me that the price of building spots has 
doubled ; and that in some locations, the money which paid for ten acres of 
land six years ago, will now buy but one acre. And they say to me, " You 
have no idea of the amount of business that is done in the place." But any 
one who should see our regiments of Industrious and thrifty-looking young 
men would be apt to suspect that something was going on, and that their 
labor was well paid. Indeed the matter is plain enough ; and Glastenbury 
IS beginning a new career of pecuniary prosperity. German Silver and 
Yankee shaving soap are doing for us what agriculture has never done — and 
what the gold of Calitbrnia could never do, — they are giving the true im- 
pulse to a condition of society hitherto too stationary and routine-like for its 
own highest good. 

Pardon me, Mr. President, for I believe I am approaching a second senti- 
ment. I fear it is not quite in order for a speaker to give more than one 



238 

toast at a time ; but wlien a toast offers itself to me, of its own accord, 
what should I do with it but offer it to the people ? And here it is — 

Old Glastenbury — She is groioing young. 

May she renew her youth wisely ! May she understand this day and hour 
of her merciful visitation, and call first on Christ, and then on the school- 
master and the Maine Law, before it be too late. We must not forget that 
thrifty industry is but the first letter of the Alphabet which American society 
is predestined to learn ; the first round of the ladder by which a Free and 
Equal People must climb to its true level of republican nobility. Let us as 
a people fear God, and honor the ordinances of the New Testament. Let us 
weigh well the debt which we owe to our children as Republican children. 
And, if we can, let us have the spirit of our Fathers, who, u-ithout a school 
fund, sustained upon the spot where we now stand, one of the best Acade- 
mies in the State of Connecticut ; a school to which pupils came from such 
places as Colchester and Ellington, Wethersficld, Farmington and Water- 
bury. The building was destroyed by fire some forty years ago. I declare, 
sir ! I wish we could find one brick, or a foundation stone, or a fragment of 
the bell of that ancient school-house : for we would have it set in brass that 
we might make a monument of it, and plant it by our roadside, where we 
might look upon it every day, and think, think, think of the nobleness of our 
Fathers, until tee c&n feel — our oicn. 

But sir, I must break off this thread. I have said much more than I prom- 
ised ; and I fear more than was asked of me : and even now I find my 
thoughts more disposed for a fresh start, than to ^vind off to a conclusion. 

May I give one sentiment more, provided that it be short and sweet ? 

Well, sir, it is nothing but this — If any one of our citizens does not know 
how to love and honor Old Glastenbury, I have a notion to give him a bit of 
advice. Let him begone! And let him live elsewhere a year and a half; 
and he may take my word for it that he will be a happier if not a wiser man 
when he comes back, than he was when he went away. 

These are my Sentiments. 

Speech of Hon. Gideon Welles, of Hartford, whose genealogy has been 
given on a preceding page. 

It is pleasant to be among old friends and old familiar scenes ; and to such 
of us as have come back to our old home, the day has been one of enjoyment. 
The address to which we have listened, and which has been prepared with 
so much labor, brings before us events and incidents with which every citizen 
of Glastenbury should make himself familiar. There are among those of us 
who were born in the earlier part of the present century, living and unre- 
corded annals that have been revived by this day's gathering, and on which 
memory delights to dwell. There is indeed no recollection so pure, no friend- 
ship so lasting, as that we have !>hared with the comrades of our boyhood and 
youth. With these are associated local attachments and the memories of a 
receeding generation whom we respected and loved. All these come up be- 
fore us as we meet on the Old Green, to commemorate this anniversary, and 
while the scenes of earlier days are before us, and living friends are around 
us, let us not forget the absent and the dead. 

The plains and hills, and meadows and streams of Old Glastenbury, have 
a charm for me beyond those of any place on earth. 

" All charming hills, iih pleasing shade, 

Ah scenes beloved in vain, 
'Twas here my careless childhood strayed 

A stranger yet to jiain." 



289 

My earliest and choicest recollections are connected with the plains of 
Naubuc and East Farms — the deep valleys of Nayauji and Wassuc, and the 
high hills of Minnechaug and Kongscut. Here under our eye, repose the 
remains of my ancestors, on the paternal and maternal side for half a dozen 
generations. There was a time when I knew personally, and was known by 
almost every citizen of Glastonbury. To them I was indebted for uniform 
kindness and unabated, and unshaken confidence during the whole period of 
my residence among them. It has afforded me pleasure to meet so many of 
them here to day, and with them another generation. 

I give you, Glastenbury — her past — present and future. 

Speech of Henry I. Wright, Esq., of Hartford, whose genealogy has 
been given on a preceding page. 

Mr. President, I shall respond very briefly to your call — I have looked for- 
ward to this occasion with feelings of unusual interest ; and my highest hopes 
have been far more than realized. During the past si.x years I have derived 
much pleasure from the examination of such ancient wills, deeds and origi- 
nal records as gave me a knowledge of our common ancestry ; and being 
descended from those who were here two centuries ago, I was prepared to 
enjoy with a full heart an occasion like this. 

As a " son of Glastenbury from abroad," I hope to be sensible of our very 
great indebtedness to you, who have remained here within the ancient metes 
and bounds, for what we enjoy to day. We find on every side, an open 
house, an open heart and a cordial welcome, evincing a spirit of hospitality 
and generosity worthy of the " olden time." 

I have been thinking to day how time in its flight had swept away almost 
every vestige of the pioneers in the settlement of the town. Their houses 
have crumbled and disappeared ; but the thought came pleasantly over me 
that the sturdy oak on the hill side, (a tree so well known for its extreme age,) 
that this " king of the forest" had come down to us from the earliest settlers. 
It was a witness of their toil, and their privation ; it had heard the sound of 
their voices ; and beneath its branches, perhaps, had been heard the hymn of 
Sabbath worshippers. I love the trees : they have a mysterious language. 
I love the memory of our fathers ; and I shall ever cherish the thought that 
these oaks, these "giant oaks," were their companions ! Were I to give you 
a sentiment, this should be my theme. 

The Sturdij Oaks. The companions and fit emblems of the unbending in- 
tegrity and faithfulness of our fathers. 

Speech of Henby T. Welles, Esq., whose genealogy has been given on 
a preceding page. 

Mr. President : — While paying this festal tribute to the memory of those 
of our townsmen, who have finished their labors, and can no more be cheer- 
ed by the notes of earthly sympathy and affection ; it is well to remember 
them, also, who, though still living, are absent, being withheld by various cir- 
cumstances from a participation in these rejoicings. At earlier or later peri- 
ods of their lives, they left the town of their birth. Some are only a few 
miles away ; some reside in the larger cities of our country ; some are woo- 
ing the smiles of the sunny south ; and some have ventured over the bound- 
less prairies, and into the dense forest of the West. Others now wander on 
the pathless ocean, or roam in foreign lands ; others still, arc scattered along 
the valleys of the far off Pacific coast, wringing from their mother earth 
with toilsome hardihood her hidden treasure. 

Once, all these were with us. With us they walked in these streets, and 
worked in their fields. They chatted at our firesides. They met us in the 
evening circle, in the school, in the church, on this little plain and even in 



240 

this Hall. Like us they have climbed these hills, and from their summits 
have looked down on a scene of surpassing beauty and grandeur ; of whiten- 
ed houses, hills, vales and river, of expansive meadows and distant spires, 
until every feature of it was stamped forever on their memories. They are 
still bound by a thousand tender associations to the place of their nativity 
and childhood. 

Wherever they are, in whatever clime or country, in whatever condition, 
to this spot their thoughts will ever instinctively turn. Fancy will bring 
them back to it in dreams of the night ; it will haunt their memories, in the 
pensive hours of evening twilight and prayers for its welfare and prosperity 
will be mingled with their morning visions. 

1 give you, The absent natives of Glastenbury. 

Speech of the Hon. George Merrick, Esq., a descendant of an early 
settler of Eastbury, whose genealogy has been given on a preceding page. 

The large number of our citizens present, attests the deep interest taken 
in this our second anniversary. 

On this interesting occasion we naturally revert to the first settlement of 
our Town and country — to those civil, religious and literary institutions, 
founded by the wisdom of our ancestors, and which wCoiiow possess as a rich 
legacy from them— and we trust will be as lasting as the hills and streams 
beside which they planted themselves. Education, and toleration in matters 
of religion seem to be the two leading principles that actuated the first set- 
tlers, and instructing all classes in the rudiments of literature and religion, 
at the public expense, seems to be the first germ of the free school system, 
since so widely diffused throughout the world, and so universally beneficial, 
and these had theit origin in tlie very infancy of the settlements. And they 
seem to have been aware of their importance, from the care with which they 
were cherished. Our ancestors also showed their wisdom in the laws they 
enacted, which were well adapted to meet the necessities of their peculiar 
situation. Their magistrates were also men of the highest consideration and 
distinction in the community. And they exercised the humblest oflice in the 
administration of justice. 

The first settlers of this Town were a peace loving people. They settled 
among the children of the soil by compact, and neither history nor tradition 
has left a trace of a quarrel between the rising and falling races. 

And these principles have more or less influenced their posterity, and come 
down to us. Such a people had need of but few Lawyers to aid in the ad- 
ministration of justice. And our Town comparatively has had but few. 
There have been long intervals in which we have had none of that profes- 
sion, and seldom more than one at a time. And this is true both under the 
Colonial and State Governments. 

Our knowledge under the former is somewhat limited, but enough is known 
to sustain the truth of the remark. 

The first Lawyer in this Town that we have any account of, is Eleazar 
Kimberly, who was Secretary of the Colony from 1C96 to 1709, and speaker 
of his Majesty's lower house. 

Whether his son and grand-son were lawyers, or not, is not certainly 
known — But both were active magistrates of the Town. His great grand-son 
Thomas Kimberly, born in 1745, graduated at Yale, in 17(j6, after being ad- 
mitted to the bar, practiced law here till his death in 1777. He was killed by 
the accidentjil blowing up of a powder mill in that year. He lefl a widow, a 
son and a daughter. 

His ])lace does not seem to be supplied, till after our revolution. In 1 784, 
Jonathan Brai'e, who married his widow, removed from Bennington, Ver- 
mont, to this town, and practiced law here till 1794, when he went to Hart- 



241 

ford, and remained there till his death, in 1835. He was born in Ilarwinton, 
graduated at Yale, in 1779, and at the time of his death was 83. 

He held many public offices. He was state's attorney at Bennington, 
often represented this Town in the legislature, was a member of the house 
of assistants — Representative in Congress — Judge of the County Court, 
Judge of Probate, Mayor of the city of Hartford. He held the judgeship till 
disqualified by age. 

Zephaniah H. Smith may be considered as his successor in the profession. 
He was born in this Town, and graduated at Yale, in 1 782. For a few years 
he was a settled Congregational minister in Newtown, in this State. In 1792, 
he left the ministry, and returned to his native Town. 

After a course of reading with Judge Brace, he was admitted to the Bar, 
and practiced here till his death, in 1836. 

He represented this Town in the legislature several times. 

Joseph Backus pursued the profession of Law here some time. He open- 
ed an office about the year 1792-3, and remained here a few years, and then 
removed to Stratford, since Bridgeport, and pursued the pi-ofession there till 
his death, in 1838. He has represented the town of Bridgeport. He is the 
author of a treatise in two vols, octavo, on Sheriffs, and book of forms for 
justices. 

Several years after he left, Samuel Jones, a native of Hebron, opened a 
Law office here. He graduated at Yale, in 1800, read Ia\y with the late 
Judge Sylvester Gilbert of Hebron. He commenced here in 1802, and in 
1810, went to Stockbridge and pursued his profession there until 1845, when 
he removed to Boston, having received an appointment there. 

He was succeeded in the profession here by Samuel G. Strong, also a na- 
tive of Hebron. He graduated at Williamstown, in 1809, and studied law 
with the late Judge John T. Peters. He practiced here from 1811 to 1814, 
when he went from this town and soon after died. 

I ought to mention among our Lawyers, our towsnmen the Hon. George 
Plummer, who was born here and graduated at Yale, in 1804. After a course 
of reading he was admitted to the bar and commenced practice, but his father 
dying about that time, leaving a large estate to his management, he relin- 
quished his profession. He has represented this District twice as a senator 
in the State Legislature. 

I might speak of several subjects connected with the administration of 
justice in the history of our town, did time permit, but I will only olfer a 
sentiment. 

' The administration of justice in this town." 
May it be as in former days, pure and unsullied. 

Sketch of the Remarks of Hon. John Cotton Smith of Sharon, a de- 
scendant of Rev. Henry Smith, the first settled minister of the Town. 

Ladies and Gentlemen : — 

After rlie deep enthusiasm insj)ired by a day like this, it would seem an 
almost hopeless task, to add a single thought to the elocpient sentiments, that 
have lent their interest to this joyous and spirit-stirring festival. But I do not 
present myself before you as a stranger. Tiie dust of my ancestors lies 
mingled Avith that of yours, and the warmest sympathies, and most tender' 
recollections of my heart, cluster around your ancient, beautiful, and historic 
dwelling-place. Our forefathers who settled this venerable town, belonged; 
to that wond.-rful generation that in Old England, set their foot upon the 
neck of their King, and trampled the aristocracy into the dust in a score of 
well fouglit battle fields, and in New England foundeil a republican common- 
wealth, not on the slavish creed of the divine right of the monarch, but upora 
the imperishable doctrine of the sovereignty of the people. 

16 



242 

They came not to this western world like the Spanish Catholic in pursuit 
of gold, and the propagation of the papal mass, not like most of the early 
settlers of the other Atlantic States, for the traffic of commerce, and the grati- 
fication of avarice ; but they came to gain for themselves and their descend- 
ants the priceless benefits of seli-government, and the noblest of all liberties, 
freedom to worship God. 

Soon after the opening of spring, more than two hundred years ago, a 
little band of willing exiles, might have been seen wending slowly their 
weary way, through the then trackless wilderness which separated the shores 
of Massachusetts bay, from that spot on the banks of the Connecticut river, 
where they designed to erect their public temples, and their domestic altars. 
They travelled on foot, and slept upon the earth, with no canopy but the sky. 
Many of them were unaccustomed to hardships, and in their native country 
enjoyed all the luxuries that high social position confers in an advanced state 
of civilization. Their wants and wishes were supplied by attentive domes- 
tics, and from the windows of stately hall and ancient manor house, they 
could look upon that most delightful of earthly possessions, broad acres, in- 
herited from father's fathers. These lands and dwellings they had sold at a 
ruinous sacrifice, and they were now rich in nothing, but that failh " that 
overcomes the world," and that " hope that is an anchor to the soul." For a 
fortnight they struggled forward with untiring courage, through the desert, 
while they 

" Shook the forest wild 

Witli their hymns of lofty cheer." 

At length they stood upon the banks of that beautiful river, of which one 
of our own poets has sweetly sung, 

" No fairer streams through happier valleys shine. 
Nor drinks the sea a lovelier wave than thine." 

Soon the smoke of their humble cabins ascended from the bosom of the 
tall waving woods, and the sound of the axe often swung by hands more 
.used to hold the pen, or wield the sword, startled alike the timid deer, and 
ithe fierce savage. What exertion and diligence, did not the great and varied 
ilabors of these first years demand, when the whole of what is now the most 
^prosperous community on earth, consisted of the three little plantations of 
Hartford, Windsor and Wethersfield. Of the latter, Glastenbury was then 
a constituent portion. How hard to turn with scanty numbers, and inexpe- 
rienced eflbrt, the dark wilderness into fruitful field and blooming garden. 
To provide subsistence and shelter for their families and theii' cattle, against 
ithe rigors of a northern winter, to construct new roads through trackless 
wilds, and all this, amid constant watchings and alarms, so that while guiding 
-the plough with one hand, they were forced to hold the musket in the other. 

When assembled for worship on each calm Sabbath moin of that first sum- 
mer, perhaps beneath the shade of some noble oak or branching elm, and re- 
freshing their wearied spirits by copious draughts of sacred truth poured out 
by pastors who well knew how " to point to heaven and lead the way," how 
sweet after that soul-stirring exhortation, must have swelled from their united 
lieart and voice, the sentiment of the beautiful lyric, 

Ye fecbli' sjiints, iVcsli con rag.- take — 

The cl.uuis ye so nmeli dread. 
Are big with mercies, and shall break 

In blessings, on your head. 
God's purposes are ripening fast, 

Unfolding every hour — 
The bud may have a bitter taste, 

But sweet will be the llower. 



243 

In addition to every other circumstance gloomy and disheartening, their 
second year in the country, broke upon them with all the horrors of a savage 
war. Their total destruction was sworn by a numerous and powerful nation, 
and they had no where to look lor succor, but lo God and their own courage. 
Undismayed, they fitted out their little army, com[)osed of nearly one-half 
of their effective men, and sent them into the enemies' country with the fixed 
resolution " to do, or die." History records no more gallant exploit than the 
storming of the Pequod fort, and if judged by its consequences upon the 
future destinies of man, the mighty armaments and tremendous bnttles of 
Europe, fade by comparison into I he most perfect and absolute insignificance. 
One-tburth of that little force were your lineal progenitors, and if it be a 
credit to have descended from a race of hiToes, you have a full right to the in- 
dulgence of such a noble and honorable pride. iSince that memorable strug- 
gle, in every conflict for the rights, the interest, and the honor of the colony, 
the State, and the nation ; the citizens of Glastenbury have freely and gen- 
erously contributed both of their blood and their treasure. Your ancestors 
took a no less active part in the civil, than in the military concerns of the 
then infant colony. They strengthened it by their council, as well as defend- 
ed it by their valor. 

On the 14th of January, 1639, all the free planters convened at Hartford, 
and on mature deliberation adopted a constitution of government, whose 
formation at so early a period, when the light of liberty was wholly darkened 
in most parts of the earth, and the rights of man but an empty name, was a 
noble proof of their ability, integrity, and devotion to the principle of a just 
and righteous liberality. It was the first complete frame of civil order writ- 
ten out In the new world. It embodied all the essential features of the con- 
stitutions of the States, and of the Republic Itself, as they exist at the pres- 
ent day. It was the free representative plan, which now distinguishes our 
country In the eyes of the world. 

The first Colonists of Connecticut, from whom it is our pride and happi- 
ness to descend, were Imbued with a double portion of that stern republican 
sentiment, which contributes so much to the elevation of both individual and 
national character. Coming from that portion of England, famed for its 
steady adherence to the ancient Anglo Saxon spirit of liberty and equality, 
" I'fc invictiis" " unconcjuered Kent," where the law of primogeniture, and 
the other monstrosities of Norman feudalism, were never able to fasten their 
yoke upon Its free and vigorous po|)ulation, they brought with them to this 
western world, a hearty detestation ol' the impudent assumptions of arbitrary 
power, and the empty pomp of aristocratic title. They formed their laws 
and their manners, not to found and perpetuate artificial distinctions in society, 
but to promote " the greatest good of the greatest number," and the only 
patent of nobility which they condescended to respect, was that conferred by 
the hand of the Creator, and stamped with the Impress of honor, of patriot- 
ism, of knowledge, and of viitue. 

Such a tree, planted in such a soil, has produced Its natural and beautiful 
fruits. In addition to her amazing eilbrts in securing Indei)endence from a 
foreign power, by the testimony of the greatest of Southern Statesman, him- 
self a graduate of her venerable University, Connecticut gave to the nation 
its most admirable Constitution of government. In the simplicity and econo- 
my of its jurisprudence. In the universal diffusion of education, In the general 
comfort, and moral virtues of Its population, and the priceless value of its 
mechanical inventions, it occupies tlie foremost rank, amid her sisters of the 
Confederated Union. If turning from the empire of matter, to that of mind, 
her Intellectual lights are almost as countless as the stars. Here divines and 
philosophers have a world-wide renown, while her hands have plucked the 
fairest flowers of poesy, and chanted the sweetest inspirations of song. 

Such in brief, are some of the reflections that rush upon the mind, while 



244 

looking upon your beautiful landscape, which seems as if fashioned by the 
Almighty to be the fitting cradle of such a magnificent commonwealth. 
Many of you possess that most delightful of all pleasures to a heart of sensi- 
bility, the sweet enjoyment to sit under the shade of ancestral trees, and till 
the smiling surface of ancestral acres. You have the happiness to reside in 
the same lovely spot, where your fathers dwelt, and from which, they ascend- 
ed to their heavenly rest. God grant that their virtues may forever hallow the 
abode of their descendants, that every earthly blessing may distill like the 
dew of heaven upon it, till Time's last echo shall have ceased to sound, and 
the governments of the world, shall have given place to that of the King 
eternal. Standing upon the sacred precincts of such a time-honored home 
as this, with what gushing emotion may each of us exclaim with a warm fresh 
glow of heartfelt love. 

Land of my birth, thou art a holy land, 
Strong in thy virtue may'st thou stand, 
As in thy soil and mountains thou art strong ; 
And as thy mountain echoes now prolong 
The cadence of thy waterfalls ; — forever be. 
The voice lifted up of Time's broad river, 
As on it rushes to the eternal sea. 
Sounding the praises of thy sons, and Thee. 



ARGUMENT. 

The deeds and men — who erst in days of yore 
When came the Pilgrims to our rock-bound shore, 
From whence we flow as from a fountain spring, 
Their toils, their trials, and their fame, I sing 
More wide in scope, more fresh, more fair and young 
Thau Plato dreampt of, or than Homer sung. 

ODE TO CONNECTICUT. 

Written for the Centennial Celebration at Glastenbury, Ct., May 18th, 1853. 

By John R. Pease, Esq. 

When Freedom, nursed 'mid storm and strife. 
And vengeful foes that sought her life, 

Was forced to fly from Europe's shore 
Where bigots leagued with despot Kipgs, 

'Twas here her holy Ark she bore. 
And here she sped on eagle wings. 

Scarce had the May-Flower grazed the strand — 
The storm-tost bark scarce felt the shock. 

When leapt the Pilgrim to the land, 
And built upon the granite rock. 
Those men — that rock — they were the seeds 
That ripened into mighty deeds; 

Those germs of Empire yet to be, 
So faint — so dim — you scarce can trace. 

Now stretching wide from sea to sea, 
A hand — a breath — might then eflace : 
Now grown so strong in pow^er and pride. 
And mightier than the Ocean's tide. 

Deep fixed — secure the Temple rests — 
The sacred fire the vestal keeps, 

And glowing in each patriot breast 
The vigilance that never sleeps. 
Those beacon heights — that glorious bay, — 

The wave breaks on the silent shore. 
No freighted ships at anchor lay. 

No streams of Orient riches pour 
Where Commerce now has built her mart — 

The boundless sea her ample dower, — 
Where grandeur dwells 'mid gorgeous Art, 

And trade and traffic rule the hour. 
No chiming bells, nor echoing feet. 

Nor swelling domes their halls adorn — 
The Indian trail was then the street, 

Where the lone hunter winds his horn. 
But, destined to a glorious part 

In that great drama yet to come, 
They shall respond with throbbing heart 



246 

When beats the Revolution's drwm ; 
And Heroes, Sages, shall arise _ 

To draw the lij^litning iVom the skies. 

'Twas here tiiose early Pioneers 
Had built iheir homes and lit their fires. 

Environed round with want and fears. 
Where now arise Tri Montane spires, 

And towering shaft from that green mound 
That lifts its column to the sky — 

That spot of consecrated ground 
Where martyr patriots learned to die ; 

Where clustering round by sea and shore 
So thick memorials now are strown, 

The grateful heart its praise will pour 
To think this glorious land our own. 

Here resting now for a brief space, 
Outworn with watching, want and woe. 

To find a fairer resting j)lace 
A mighty summons bade them go : 

The red man came with truthful tale. 
And painted to their longing eyes 

The glowing beauties of that vale 
That seemed to them a Paradise. 
When in that dim and distant day 

They followed on their pathless Srack, 
Hope was the star that led the way. 

There was no fear nor looking back. 
The forest rung with hynins ol' praise. 

Nor were there wantmg sounds of glee 
To cheer them in their weary days. 

With songs of lighter Minstrelsy 
They sang old England's ballads o'er 

Of Chevy Chace and Robm Hood, 
And on this new and verdant shore 

They seemed more felt and understood ; 
For half the meaning of a song 

Lies in some sentimental nook ; 
And now their hearts were beating strong. 

And they were reading Nature's Book. 
They scaled the mountain's lofty height. 

And many a rugged hill they climb; 
They made their couch in darksome aigbt 

Beneath those forests in their prime. 
And Woman's voice, — sweet as a lute 

Touched by some skilled but unseen hand- 
And her bright smile in language mute. 

Cheered with new life the toiling band. 
Nor did tlieir dauntless courage yit- Id 

Whate'er opposed by flood or field : — 
For well had Hooker culled his flock — 

He had a keen and searching way — 
They were the heart of Plymouth Uock> 

The flower of Mas aehusetts Bay. 
The crystal waters of the spring 

That gushes forth in desert drear. 
And all around doth freshness fling, 

Like music to the traveller's ear. 
When fainting 'neath the noon-day's sun 

With half his journey yet undone; — 
So they beheld that river broad 

Roll its bright wave the banks between^ 
And, kneeling on the emerald sod. 



247 



They hallowed there the glorious scene 
Here rolled the stream, majestic, slow. 

As if rejoicing in its toils, — 
There winding like a bended bow, — 

There like a serpent spread its coils. 
No forests dense to hide the scene. 
But wave and vale oft intervene, 
And as if art and nature strove 
To make a liome for man to love; 
It seemed like Eden's fairest bowers. 
And blushed with countless unknown flowers; 
No hand was there — no skill to dress — 
The savage of the wilderness 
In Nature's rude untutored ways 
Had learned to plant the golden maize. 
But else, through all the boundless plain, 
Here Nature held her ancient reign. 
Now hither came a chosen band, 
To dwell in this, the promised land; 
Not with regret, remorse, or shame. 
But like a Spartan phalanx came. 
In every man burned wild desire, 
Their hearts, their souls were all on fire 
With some unseen but certain good 
That part was felt — part understood. 
They came led on by lofty fate 
To plant the noblest — freest state 
That mortal man hath ever seen — 
The gem of all the old Thirteen ! 
And coming down to Charter days. 
They still held on their stubborn ways; 
For they were men to give a tone. 
They had a standard of their own. 
They had no King to fetter thought, 
Their Constitution was self-wrought. 
They had command at Bunker Hill, 

They took old Ti by coup de main. 
They had a chance their blood to spill 

On Saratoga's crowning plain : 
Theirs was the flag the flrst unfurled — 
And spelling books for all the world ! 

The glory of old classic days 

When man was happy, brave and free, 
Ere he had learned the modern ways, 

Sprung from the " fierce Democracie." 
You may untomb all Egypt's Kings 

Whom now the drifting sands have hid. 
And you shall find them soulless things 

Although they built the Pyramid. 
You may dig up long buried thrones, 
And find the Persian's mouldering bones. 

The Assyrian and the Mede, 
Yet what avails if you unfold 
The buried hoards of Croesus gold ; — 

You find no worthy deed. 
For died with them all they possessed. 
The toiling millions they oppressed. 

Where is their glory now .' 
Where is their record bright of fame 
But sunk in never dying shame? 

And, u])turned by the plough, 



248 



You find some crumbling biiolc or stone — 

'Tis all remains of Babylon. 

But glorious Greece, although have fled 

Her splendor and her mighty dead, 

"Was nurtured in a different school — 

'Twas there the People held the rule ; 

And thoughts yet live and arts survive 

Enough to keep the world alive. 

So our gooa State, with all her claims 

To lofty deeds and shining names 

That fill her catalogue of fame. 

Has not so just, so proud a claim 

As this, that they were ever free 

And that they ever mean to be. 

The red man's race has vanished now. 

And destiny her work has done ; 
The pale face drives his gleaming plough 

As fade the stars before the sun. 
The Podunk now has left the shore. 

No more the gocd Mohegan's found, 
The Pequot's fearful reign is o'er, 

And peaceful smiles the " bloody ground." 
The Narragansett is expelled 
From every hold and height he held, 
While equal shines the fadeless sun 
On those that lost and those that won. 
Ye who in the desert wild 
Rocked the helpless infant child, — 
Who, when the storm-cloud fearful nigh 
Muttered in the threatening sky, 
Unbared your head and stalwart arm 
To shield the nursling from all harm, — 
How shall we the deed Ibrget ? 
How shall we rejjay the debt 
But your example to impart 
And write your names upon the heart ? 
And ye who in more "Latter days" 
Awake the grateful theme of praise. 
How shall we well ascribe the fame 
That glows around a Trumbull's name ? — 
And Allen in whom all powers combined — 
The Titan both in form and mmd; 
And Putnam, fearless, brave and true, 
And Ledyard, Knowlton, Wooster too, 
And Barlow with his epic page. 
And Wolcot wise, and Sherman sage, 
And He, while honor shall prevail. 
Immortal, unforgotten Hale! 
Sublime even from imputed shame — 
A hero and a martyr name. 

My native land, my native State! 

Where'er thy sons and daughters be. 
They still revere thy name as great 

As when thou nursed their infancy. 
Save in extent thou art more great. 

Where Freedom blooms forever fair. 
My own, my gallant little State, 

Than many boundless Empires are. 
I would to ward the shock of fate 

Both peril life by land and sea, 



249 

My own, my glorious, free-born State, 

Such is tlie love I bear to thee. 
Nor will I ever hold my breath 

Sho\ild slander dare asperse thy name, 
But follow up the lie to death, 

And brand the coward with his shame. 
For thee the Poet wreathes his lyre. 

And finds new glories unrevealed; 
For thee the Patriot wakes his fire 

When honor seeks the " tented field." 
For thee the Sage explores the mine 

Where knowledge deeply buried lies, 
So that the light shall brightly shine 

On dark and hidden mysteries. 
For lovelier scenes Heaven never gave, 
In Tempe's vale, by Arno's wave. 
Nor where the rich argosies ride 
On Sacramento's golden tide. 
Than cluster round thy sea and shore, 
Abiding there forevermore. 



THE POOLS OF NIPSIC. 



There's corn in the meadow, there's grain on the hills. 
Let the farmer rejoice as his garners he fills. 
That he dwells in his glory these fair scenes among, 
That are known unto story and wove into song. 

Let the sweet pools of Nipsic like diamonds that glow, 
Spread greenness and beauty where the bright waters flow ; 
Here the Indian resorted his strength to restore — 
Be thy water still healing till time is no more. 

Let hill-girdled Naubuc as in her bright day. 
When the wild cat and wolf kept the hunter at bay ; 
Let her prowess inspire to more lofty rewards 
And light up the fire in the breast of her guards. 

Nor Nayaug is wanting amid these old names, 

A tithe of tlie honor she merits and claims, 

Tho' her tribes are now sleeping and her glory is fled 

And her daughters are weeping that their Chieftains are dead. 

While the broad river flows in its glory along. 
Let us cherish these scenes both in story and song ; 
And the sweet pools of Nipsic like diamonds that glow 
Spread greenness and beauty where the bright waters flow. 



GLASTENBURY. 

In " old Connecticut" the better part, 

Glastenbury is nearest to the heart. 

Hail Glastenbury, with her hundred hills! 



250 

Her verd'ant pastures and her flowing rills — 

Her flowery meadows and her rural shades — 

Her gallant yeomen and her beauteous maids. 

Hail glorious. clime ! fair land of Freedom hail! 

May thy firm landmarks never fade or fail. 

Hail rugged nurse, to win whose hard- won spoil 

The brain must ponder and the hand must toil. 

We would not roam where wealth is lightly won, 

Nor change our skies for a more genial sun ; 

We would not seek for a more fertile soil 

Nor go where millions unrequited toil 

But here abide, where on hill, plain and glen, 

That show the skill and labor of her men, 

The spire and tower rising beside the road, 

Invite to worship — point the way to God ; 

And where the school-house yet remains our pride — 

Stands like a light-house on the mountain's side — 

From whence goes forth a bright and chosen band 

To scatter science widely through the land. 

Though other lands their richer fields may boast 

Than glad the culture of our rock-bound coast, 

We envy not, our thoughts, our actions free, 

We reap our harvests from the boundless sea.' 

Though broader streams whose virgin soil can yield 

The rich ])roductions of the cotton field, 

For these we sigh not, when summer hours adorn 

Our hills and valleys with their stately corn. 

Though lovelier flowers in sunnier lands may twine, 

And riper clusters bend the loaded vine. 

Though there be sands filled with auriferous ore — 

Australian Isles, — and California's shore. 

Not these we claim, — meanwhile our nigged soil 

Shall yield its harvests to the hand of toil ; 

Nor on luxurious, pampering dainties fed. 

We grow more robust on our Indian bread; 

And though our clime no spice or silk can show 

Yet 'tis the land where milk and honey flow. 

Our own, our good land, that gave us birth, 

The greenest — fairest — dearest of the earth. 

For this have good men toiled and patriots bled, 

For this have sworn the living and the dead. 

Here .shall no sect, no creed, no party-sway 

Dim the proud glories of young Freedom's day, 

Here shall the Truth with brightening step advance, 

And Science reason with a Projjhet's glance. 

We would not boast, in Pharisaic tone. 

Of vested virtues which are ours alone 

Enough for us, what Liberty instills, — 

Our Pilgrim lineage, and our granite hills. 



251 

In the midst of the festivities on the preceding occasion, 
the following vote was proposed and carried by acclamation: 

Voted i/nanimousli/, That a copy of the Historical Dis- 
course, this day delivered before us by the Rev. Dr. Chapin, 
be presented by the citizens of Glastenbury, Connecticut, 
U. S. A., to the citizens of Glastonbury, Eng., as soon as 
published. 



252 

MEANING OF ABBREVIATIONS IN THE NOTES TO THIS VOLUME. 

All., Allen. Allen's Biogvaplncal Dictionary. 

A. Q. R., Am. Q.. R. American Quarterly Register, 

B H C C Barber's Historical Collections of Connecticut. 

bIc. Hist. Disc. Rev. Dr. Bacon's History of First Church, New Haven. 

Barr. Dr. Barrant, in his various Indian publications. 

Caulk. Miss Caulkins' History of New London. 

Conn. Evang. Mag. The Connecticut Evangelical Magazine. 

Conn. S. P., T. & L. Connecticut State Papers, Towns and Lands. 

Conn. S. P., P. C Connecticut State Papers, Private Controversies. 

Conn. S. P., Ecc. Connecticut State Papers, Ecclesiastical matters. 

CoT. Rev. J. Cotton, Jr., vocabulary of the Indian Language. 

Def., D. I. Deforest's Indians of Connecticut. 

Ell. Elliot's Indian Grammar. 

Gal. Gallatin's Indian Tribes of North America. 

Gen. Reg. Genealogical Register. 

G. L. R. Glastenbury Land Records. 

G. T. V. Glastenbury Town Votes. 

Good. F. G. Goodwin's Genealogy of the Foote Family. 

H. P. Hinman's Puritans, 2d work. 

H. P. S. Hinman's Puritan Settlers, 1st work. 

I. P. M. Barratt's Indian Proprietors of Mattabeseck. 

Lamb. Lambert's History of New Haven Colony. 

Math. Mag. Cotton Mather's Magnalia, or Wonder-work :ngs m New b. 

gland. 
M R I. Morse's Report on the Indians in 1824. 
Per. Geo. Rep. Percival's Geological Report of Connecticut. 
Por'. Hart. Porter's Historical Notices of Hartford. 
R. W. Roger Williams' Key to the Indian Languages. 
T. C. R. Trumbull's Colonial Records. 
Trumb. H. C. Trumbull's History of Connecticut. 
T. L. I. Thomp.son's History of Long Island. 
Winthrop. Winthrop's Journal by Savage. 
W. R. Wethersfield Records. 
W. T. V. Wethersfield Town Votes. 



ERRATA. 

The diMancc of the author from the press, the impossibility of his seeing the 
revised proof, together with his sickness during a part of the time it was going 
through the press, has prevented him from detecting and correctmg all the 
errors" The following have been noticed : others may possibly occur. 

P 51 1 20 fVom top, p. 82, 1.4 from bottom, read fF^Wam, for Samuel Mdler 

P is!). 1. 10 from top, for Mary North, ( md.,) read Lucy Ann North, ( Wid.) 

P 213, 1. G, from top, for Brace, Jonathan K., read Thomas K. 

P. 213',!. 13 from top, for Brainard, Edwin S., read Edwin W. 

P 214' 1. 10 Irom bottom, for Hale, IV. Elias, read Elias W. 

P 223, I. 22 from top, for Edwin Hubbard, read Edward Hubbard. 














JON 159B 
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